End of an Era: Gold Coast International Congress Bids Farewell
After more than six decades, the Gold Coast International Congress (GCC) will come to an end following its final event in 2025. The Queensland Bridge Association (QBA) has confirmed that the longstanding tournament will not continue beyond next year due to insurmountable venue challenges.
The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC), which has hosted the Congress, informed organizers that the venue is fully booked throughout 2026, except for one week in late January during the school holidays. This timing was deemed unsuitable due to high accommodation costs and other logistical concerns.
At the time of this writing, the 63rd Gold Coast Congress was underway (Feb 1-8, 2025). You can follow activities, events and results in the daily bulletins.
Failed Negotiations and Venue Constraints
Over the past few years, the QBA sought to secure future dates at GCCEC 18 months in advance, but these requests were unsuccessful. Despite the QBA’s willingness to shift the event to any other suitable time of the year, no alternative dates were offered. GCCEC is managed by Star Entertainment on behalf of the Queensland Government. Appeals to government officials and departments were unsuccessful, with a formal response stating that “the government is not involved in the day-to-day operations or commercial decisions regarding the Centre.”
The GCC is the largest bridge tournament in the Southern Hemisphere and is estimated to generate over $8 million for the local economy each year. Alternative venues were considered, including the Carrara Indoor Sports Centre. However, this location was found to be impractical due to its distance from Broadbeach, as well as limited proximity to accommodation and dining options.
A Beloved Tournament With Unique Traditions
The Gold Coast Congress has long been a favorite among bridge players, drawing international participants who appreciated its well-organized structure and warm atmosphere. A key aspect of its appeal was the tournament’s commitment to fairness. Unlike some tournaments that rely on “shuffle and deal,” the GCC ensured all teams played the same boards, facilitating uniform comparisons across the field.
Another hallmark of the event was its player-friendly approach. Participants were free to employ innovative bidding systems that would typically be restricted in other major tournaments. The event also featured a strong contingent of younger players, contributing to its dynamic environment.
The Final Year: A Celebration and a Goodbye
The 2025 Congress is expected to be both a celebration and a farewell to a tournament that has become an institution in the bridge world. Players have been encouraged to wear black on one of the tournament days as a sign of mourning for the event’s closure. In recognition of the community’s loyalty and the tournament’s legacy, each participant was given a bottle of wine to commemorate their involvement.
The bridge community has expressed deep disappointment over the end of the GCC. Despite efforts to find alternative solutions, organizers have had to make the difficult decision to conclude the event. While the Gold Coast Congress may be ending, its impact on the bridge world will not be forgotten.
Tributes have poured in through RIP Gold Coast, an item on Bridge Winners started by Rick Roeder, who listed, “A fabulous location in Queensland. Between sessions, I will often clear my head by walking to the beach. If I really need to destress, I have occasionally plunged into the Pacific. Typical Aussie friendliness is always on display. Sure, players want to win, but it is done with a warmth not found in other parts of the world.”
Roeder was writing from the tournament in February, Roeder also noted, “All participants Wednesday are requested to wear black as a show of mourning. Yesterday, every one of the players was given a bottle of wine to commemorate this absolutely wonderful tournament.”
Barry Rigal, co-editor of the Gold Coast Daily Bulletins, expressed sadness on Bridge Winners, writing, “The Gold Coast has been my favorite event since I first came 15 years ago. I’m very sad I wont be here next year unless some deus ex machina appears.”
You can read about the Gold Coast Congress first 50 years in Daily Bulletin Day one.
