Article reposted from https://bridgescanner.news/post/the-evolution-of-small-federation-bridge
The Road to Tallinn: A New Dawn for ESFG
As anticipation builds for the next European Small Federations Game (ESFG), marked details set it apart from its predecessors. The upcoming edition is scheduled for October 25 to 27, 2023, at the Original Sokos Hotel Viru in Tallinn, Estonia. Already, 15 of the 21 eligible countries have registered, promising a vibrant, competitive atmosphere.
The eligibility criteria have expanded, notably increasing the maximum membership threshold from 500 to 750 members. This change paves the way for broader participation, providing more National Bridge Organizations (NBOs) with the chance to vie for glory on the European stage.
Moreover, the stakes have never been higher: For the first time, the winner of the ESFG will gain a coveted spot in the Champions’ Cup 2024, making this not just a stand-alone event but a pathway to greater recognition and competitive opportunities.
A Journey Through Time: The Legacy of ESFG
The European Small Federations Game (ESFG) has come a long way since its inception in 2007 in Monte Carlo, Monaco, under the chairmanship of Jean-Charles Allavena. He remembers the first edition fondly, mentioning that it surpassed expectations in both participation and atmosphere. “However, it became clear that the ESFG could serve as a stepping stone to larger European and global tournaments, especially for newly established National Bridge Organizations (NBOs),” Allavena adds.
List of Previous Editions and Winners
| Year | Event | Venue | Winners | Results |
| 2022 | 14th | Larnaca, Cyprus | SERBIA | Final results |
| 2021 | 13th | Vilnius, Lithuania | UKRAINE | Final results |
| 2019 | 12th | Novi Sad, Serbia | ROMANIA | Final results |
| 2018 | 11th | Budapest, Hungary | LATVIA | Final results |
| 2017 | 10th | Monaco, Monaco | Georgia | Final results |
| 2016 | 9th | Dubrovnik, Croatia | HUNGARY | Final results |
| 2015 | 8th | Protaras, Cyprus | ESTONIA | Final results |
| 2014 | 7th | Jurmala, Latvia | Latvia 1 | Final results |
| 2013 | 6th | Kosice, Slovakia | CZECH REPUBLIC | Final results |
| 2012 | 5th | Talinn, Estonia | Estonia | Final results |
| 2011 | 4th | San Marino, San Marino | LUXEMBOURG | Final results |
| 2010 | 3rd | Ptuj, Slovenia | SLOVAKIA | Final results |
| 2009 | 2nd | Vilnius, Lithuania | LITHUANIA 2 | Final results |
| 2007 | 1st | Monte Carlo, Monaco | BULGARIA | Final results |
Peter Belcak, the current chairman of the Small Federation Committee (SFC) of the European Bridge League (EBL), emphasized the critical role the ESFG plays in the bridge community. “There is a great deal of solidarity about ESFG. NBOs can send, year after year, teams to a representative EBL event and pay basically just for the players’ transportation and accommodation,” he said.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Community and Opportunity
As the European Small Federations Game (ESFG) looks forward to its next edition in Tallinn, Estonia, the sense of community and solidarity continues to grow stronger. Both past and present chairmen, Jean-Charles Allavena and Peter Belcak, speak to the vitality and necessity of this tournament in empowering small federations.
The event goes far beyond just the games; it’s a platform for exchange, an opportunity for smaller federations to learn, grow, and share. It represents a commitment to equality, proving that bridge is a sport where everyone can compete at the same level, regardless of their federation’s size.
The recent changes to eligibility criteria and the expansion to include a position at the Champions’ Cup for the winning NBO reflect an ongoing commitment to increase the stakes, improve standards, and create more inclusive opportunities.
In a world that increasingly appreciates the power of community and inclusivity, the European Small Federations Game stands as a shining example of how sports can bring people together, leveling the playing field and offering a fair shot to everyone.
As preparations are underway for the upcoming edition in Tallinn, there is a palpable sense of anticipation. The ESFG has proven itself to be more than just a tournament; it’s a forum for personal and collective growth in the world of bridge. Here’s to the promise of another exceptional event and to the continued success of a tournament that has come to mean so much to so many.
Some statistics
A total of 414 athletes from 25 different countries have participated over the 14 editions of the games. Of these participants, 64 were female.
Gianfranco Fazzardi of San Marino, Sven Sester of Estonia, and Henri Fissore of Monaco are the most frequent players, each having competed in 12 editions. In the female category, Nathalie Frey of Monaco leads with 9 editions, followed by Maurizia Ritiani and Antonia Pecci of San Marino, who have each participated 8 times.
Estonia and Latvia stand out as the only countries to have won the event twice. Lithuania, Cyprus, and Monaco have each hosted the event on two occasions.