A teams-of-four knock-out competition played by British Universities and Higher Education Institutions for which Green Points are awarded.
The English Bridge Union administers this tournament on behalf of the world famous Portland Club in London. All players must be registered as full time students with the University or College they are to represent. Each institution may enter one or two teams. Collegiate institutions may enter at University or College level. Teams from the same institution will not be drawn against each other in the first round of the competition, nor before the quarter-finals unless the only alternative would cause unnecessary travelling for one or more teams. In order to reduce travelling, there is the option to play matches online if both teams agree.
This year notes the continuation of the Portland Bowl Plate. This competition is open to teams who lose their first match in the competition, and is intended to provide newer players with more chances of playing knockout teams bridge and more opportunities to play against players of their own level. The Portland Bowl Plate finals will also take place in the Portland Club, who have generously agreed to host it. The final will take place on the 26th April 2026.
Entry to Portland Bowl Plate is on an opt-in basis. The Portland Bowl semi-finals, final & 3rd/4th play-off will be played on consecutive days at the Portland Club, 25th-26th April 2026. Entry implies that the team is available to play on these dates.
Current Results
To enter
By entering an EBU congress or event you agree to abide by the terms and conditions set out in the Terms and Conditions document.
Universities on our mailing list will be contacted at the start of term, though any university team can submit an entry by email to comps@ebu.co.uk or by calling 01296 317203.
Entries for 2025/26 are now open.
Full payment must be made at the time of entering. Those who play in an event without having entered and paid beforehand will be subject to an additional financial penalty of £20.
Holders
2024-25
Cup: Cambridge University Bridge Club B- James Cater, Dido Coley, Lily Kearney & Theodore Sinclair
Plate: Imperial College Bridge Club A- Tianxiang Fu, Ryan Song, Liangxun Tan, Ervin Wee & Zhicheng Yang
| Bowl Time Table | Play By Date | Start Time |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | 6th January 2026 | |
| Round 2 | 17th February 2026 | |
| Quarter Finals | 31st March 2026 | |
| Semi-Final, 3rd& 4th Place Play Off and Final (48 Boards) | 25th-26th April 2026 | 11:30 |
| Plate Time Table | Play By Date | |
| Round 1 | 17th February 2026 | |
| Round 2 | 31st March 2026 | |
| Final (48 Boards) | 26th April 2026 | 11:30 |
| Entry Fees for 2025-26 | |
|---|---|
| £43 for the first team | |
| £27.50 for the second team |
Master Points
| Round | I | II | Quarter-final | Semi-final | 3rd/4th play-off | Final |
| GPs | 0.75 | 0.75 | 1.0 | 1.50 | 0.75 | 2 |
Masterpoints for the Portland Bowl Plate will be 50% of the equivalent round of the Portland Bowl.
Agreements
Level 4 agreements are permitted in this event.
Entry
Universities on our mailing list will be contacted at the start of term, though any university team can submit an entry by email to comps@ebu.co.uk, or by calling 01296 317203.
Downloads
- General Regulations Rulings
- Portland Bowl Regulations
- EBU Knockout and League Competitions General Regulations
- Online Match Regulations
Previous Winners
The EBU archive listing the past winners
2025 results
2024 results
2023 results
2022 results
2021 results
2020 event not held
2019 results
2018 results
2017 results
2016 results
2015 results
2014 results
2013 results
2012 results
2011 results
2010 results
2009 results
2008 results
2007 results