Competition format
The ESWC Open Game 2009 South Korea preliminary comprises of two group stages and one playoffs.

Group stage 1
16 players are split into four groups of four, who play three games against each of their group opponents to decide which two players advance to the next group stage.

Group stage 2
The 8 players that advance from Group stage 1 are split into two groups of four, who play three games against each of their group opponents to decide which two players advance to the next group stage.

Knockout phase
Group winners will play against others in the first round on best of three basis. While winners will advance to the final in upper bracket, losers will move on playing in the lower bracket.

Final
The winner from upper bracket will play against the winner from lower bracket on best of five basis. Both sides will play an extra match should the winner from lower bracket win the first match.

Live stream
- Garena TV
- Waaagh!TV

Map pool
Echo Isles
Melting Valley
Secret Valley
Terenas Stand
Turtle Rock

Prize distribution
1. $500
2. $300
3. $200
4. $100