PCU Bridge Trophy 2024 – Conclusion
From November 8 to 11, 2024, Antwerp hosted the prestigious PCU Bridge Trophy at the AP University of Applied Sciences and Arts. The event saw the participation of six university teams from across Europe: London, Vienna, Amsterdam, Utrecht, Ghent, Cologne, and Antwerp, all competing for the coveted AP | PCU Bridge Trophy 2024.
Opening Ceremony
The tournament commenced on Friday evening with a grand opening ceremony. Players were welcomed to participate in an opening pairs tournament, designed to foster camaraderie among participants and emphasize the core Panathlon values of ethical sportsmanship, enjoyment, and fair play.
Round Robin
Saturday was dedicated to the Round Robin stage, where each team faced off against the others. The tournament brought together highly experienced teams with strong skill levels, as well as less experienced players who appreciated the opportunity to enjoy competing against such skilled opponents.
The organization ensured a smooth tournament flow, with well-coordinated logistics including meals provided for all participants. The convivial atmosphere extended into the evening dinner as many players explored the vibrant city centre of Antwerp, demonstrating the event’s balance between intense competition and social interaction.
Finals
On Sunday the finales took place. The “grand finale” featured an intense match between Imperial College London and the University of Amsterdam. Despite a closely contested first half, Imperial College’s superior skills secured them victory in five out of six games, crowning them the champions of the tournament.
Conclusion and Awards
The tournament concluded with a positive reception from both players and organizers, highlighting the seamless organization and enriching experience provided by the host, AP University of Applied Sciences and Arts Antwerp.
Results and Awards
- 1st place: Imperial College London (United Kingdom)
- 2nd place: University of Amsterdam (The Netherlands)
- 3rd place: TU Wien (Austria)
- 4th place: Utrecht University (The Netherlands)
- 5th place: Ghent University (Belgium)
- 6th place: Bridge Cologne (Germany) & AP | DUA (Belgium)
The Enrico Prandi Fair Play Award was awarded to the team Bridge Cologne (Germany) for their exemplary sportsmanship throughout the tournament.
Looking Forward
The success of the PCU Bridge Trophy 2024 has set a high standard for future events. The organizers and participants alike are eager to see even greater participation in 2025. For more information on the results of 2024 and upcoming events in 2025, please visit PCU Committee website. The new dates for the 2025 PCU Bridge Trophy have been announced for November 21-23, and it will be hosted together with the PCU Chess Cup.
Photo Gallery
All the photos from the AP | PCU Bridge Trophy 2024 can be viewed on Google Album.
The AP|PCU Bridge Trophy 2024 in Antwerp was not just a tournament but a celebration of sport, ethics, and international friendship, setting a wonderful precedent for future Mind Sports events organized by the PCU Committee.
