A perfect record—and a bowl of chili—highlighted this year’s California State Senior Go
Championship.
The 2026 tournament, for players 55 and over, returned to San Diego, where Arunas Rudvalis 6k claimed the title with a 3–0 finish, sealing the win with a final-round victory over Ted Terpstra 6k.
Greg Pongracz 1k took second place on tiebreakers, finishing 2–1 alongside Pasul Margetts 2k.
All eight competitors were single-digit kyu AGA players, making for a tightly contested field. This year also marked a milestone: Ya Wen of Irvine became the first woman to compete in the senior championship. She was joined by her husband, Hai Li 5P, and their two six-year-old grandsons—one already playing at 20k, the other delighting attendees with piano performances.
As always, the event was as much social gathering as tournament. Players were treated to “Ted’s Famous Chicago Chocolate Chili,” served with rice, salad, and drinks.
Though billed as “No prizes, no trophies, no cash—just Go,” no one left empty-handed. Participants selected books from the San Diego Go Club’s 900-volume library, Hai Li donated Chinese figurines for the top finishers, and David Matson (AGA #10) received a vintage thick Go board with legs for the Mission Viejo Go Club.
As the sun set over Mission Bay, players wrapped up another year of competition, camaraderie, and community—already looking ahead to next year.
photos: (top left) Board 1: Arunas Rudvalis vs. Greg Pongracz; (top right) Board 1: Ya Wen with spectators; (bottom right) 2026 Senior Tournament attendees; (bottom left); Sunset over Mission Bay; (middle left) Top finishers and 2–1 players.
Story and photos by Ted Terpstra