How much does it cost to organize a G1 or G2 event: World Taekwondo’s official process and actual costs for MNAs

MASTKD updated the information we published in 2020 and returned to the regulatory source: WT Event Operations Rules (in force as of May 12, 2024), the document where World Taekwondo defines the recognized circuit, the approval procedure, and the minimum costs/obligations for G1 and G2 tournaments.

What is a “G event” and what makes it “official”?

For WT, an internationally recognized tournament must meet a minimum requirement: participation of at least 4 countries and, for the result of a category to count as an “official result,” there must be at least 4 competitors actually competing in that division. In addition, by being on the WT Event Calendar, WT assumes responsibilities (TD, referee screening, anti-doping, publication, etc.).

G1/G2 is not the same as “WT Events.”

It is important to separate two worlds:

• WT Events (World Championships, Grand Prix, etc.) have their own hosting fee (much higher amounts) and a bid/Host City Contract process.
• International Open Taekwondo Tournament (G1/G2) is regulated by Article 3 of the same set of rules, with its own recognition process and specific fee.

This article focuses on G1/G2.

Official process for applying for G1/G2 recognition (step by step)

1) Eligibility and basic restrictions

• Any MNA affiliated with WT can organize an International Open with WT approval.
• The tournament cannot use “WT” or “World” (in any language) in the event title.
• WT clarifies that these tournaments should not be scheduled in December or January.

2) Application window (for the following year)

An MNA interested in organizing a G1/G2 for the following year must:

• Submit a completed form through its Continental Union (to the president of the corresponding CU) during the third quarter (Q3).
• The CU reviews and recommends to WT during the fourth quarter (Q4).
• WT makes the final decision and announces the recognized tournaments in Q4.

Practical example (today: January 2026): if you want a G1/G2 in 2027, the application is submitted in Q3 2026 and confirmation arrives in Q4 2026 (according to the WT procedure).

3) Quotas and continental policy for G2

• G1: WT does not set a limit per continent.
• G2: WT limits to a maximum of 3 G2 tournaments per continent per year, including the WT President’s Cup.

For a continent to obtain the maximum number of G2s, it must meet certain criteria (for example, having organized at least 6 recognized international tournaments in the year of application, excluding the President’s Cup).

Official WT costs: what must be paid (and to whom)

Standard recognition fees (G1/G2)

The WT sets a recognition fee:

• G1: $5,000
• G2: $10,000

This is submitted together with the application to the Continental Union. If the WT does not grant recognition, the fee is refunded (via the CU).

This matches what we reported in our 2020 article (USD 5,000 and USD 10,000), but now the WT has made it a rule and framed it with more detailed deadlines and obligations.

Mandatory costs related to WT officials and structure (minimum requirements)

Once the event is recognized, WT sets financial obligations that are not “fees” but are mandatory costs:

• WT Technical Delegate (TD): round-trip tickets + accommodation + meals + $200 per diem for the competition period.
• For G2 only: in addition, round-trip tickets + accommodation + meals for 1 WT staff member/official supporting the organization.
• CSB and International Referees (included in CSB): accommodation + meals + USD 150 per diem for the competition period.
• Local transportation: the OC must provide ground transportation free of charge for TD, staff/officials, and technical officials (including IRs).

Anti-doping: registration fee (GMS)

The OC must transfer USD 3 per registration (according to GMS data) to the WT Anti-Doping Management Fund within 2 weeks of receiving the invoice from the WT finance department. In addition, the organizer must have facilities and requirements for anti-doping (WT covers testing and laboratory costs according to its annual plan).

Compliance that directly impacts “ranking points”

WT states it bluntly: ranking points may be “paused” if the administrative deadline is not met.

• The OC must send the final report + official results + medical report within 1 week of the end of the tournament.
• The TD sends their report within 2 business days.
• The OVR provider submits results/spreadsheets for TD approval on the last day, and the TD forwards results to WT within 2 business days. WT clarifies that no points are awarded until the final report is submitted.

Rules that are often broken and result in sanctions/revocation

• It is prohibited to use the WT logo/name or phrases that “imply” approval until official recognition is obtained.
• If there is a violation of the Competition Rules, WT may deny, cancel, or revoke approval without prior consultation.
• Participants must have a WT license approved through an MNA.

Quick checklist for MNAs (minimum budget requirements)

1) Official fee: USD 5,000 (G1) / USD 10,000 (G2).
2) TD: tickets + hotel + meals + USD 200/day (per competition period).
3) G2 extra: 1 WT staff/official (tickets + hotel + meals).
4) CSB + IRs: hotel + meals + USD 150/day (per competition period).
5) Anti-doping: USD 3 per registration (GMS) + anti-doping infrastructure.
6) Reports and OVR: if you do not close reports on time, points may not be credited.

Sources (official and MASTKD newspaper archive)

• World Taekwondo — Event Operations Rules (In Force as of May 12, 2024).
• MASTKD (2020) — “How much does it cost to organize a G1 or G2 event?”

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TKD: Taekwondo.
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