As the North American Pro Championships begin this Thursday at the National Go Center in Washington, DC, six of the continent’s strongest Go professionals will battle for prestige and a share of $20,000 in prizes. With games scheduled Thursday through Saturday at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the tournament welcomes both in-person observers and online viewers via the American Go Association’s YouTube and Twitch channels, along with nightly recap shows.
In Part 1, we introduced Michael Chen, Yoonyoung Kim, and Ryan Li. Today, we round out the roster with a closer look at Bill Lin, Alexander Qi, and Henry Yu.
Bill Lin
A native of Vancouver, BC, Bill brings 22 years of Go experience to the championship, along with a fresh return to in-person play. A professional trader by day, Lin took a step back from regular competition during the pandemic but returned to over-the-board tournaments in 2023, reinvigorated and ready to compete.
Bill describes his love for Go as rooted in the unpredictability of the game: “Every game is completely different,” he says, “and that makes it so fun to play.” A fan of Chinese and Japanese cuisine and a recent devotee of the anime Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, Lin brings both a sharp mind and playful spirit to the board.
Alexander Qi
One of the youngest stars in North American Go, Alex became a certified 1-dan professional at just 14 years old—a testament to both his early talent and intense dedication. Now 16, Qi has already represented North America in multiple top-tier international tournaments, including the Quzhou Lanke Cup and the MLILY Cup.
Having picked up the game at age 8, Qi’s rapid rise has made him a symbol of the next generation of Go professionals in the U.S., and fans will be watching closely to see how he performs against more seasoned players.
Henry Yu
Henry completes this elite field of six, bringing his own strong record and competitive drive to the tournament. Known for his calm, analytical playing style, Yu is steadily making a name for himself among the North American professional circuit. His presence adds depth and balance to an already formidable roster.
Whether you're following online or attending in person, this year’s North American Pro Championships promise three days of high-level Go, engaging commentary, and a celebration of the game’s brightest talent in North America.
Don't miss a move—follow the livestreams and nightly recaps on the AGA YouTube and Twitch channels, and visit nationalgocenter.org for updates and more.