Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The U.S. Go community is celebrating a historic breakthrough as Alexander Qi, 1P, became the first player representing a non–East Asian country to win the World Youth Go Championship. His victory at the tournament’s 40th edition, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from August 21 to 26, marks a milestone moment not just for American Go, but for the global Go world.
Widely regarded as the most prestigious youth competition in the game, the World Youth Go Championship has long been known as the “cradle of world champions.” Its alumni include legendary figures such as Lee Changho and Ke Jie. Now, for the first time, that roll of honor includes a player from the United States.
A Tough Road to the Finals: Competing in the elite U18 division, Qi faced an exceptionally strong field: four professional players and one of Korea’s top insei. His path to the finals was anything but certain. He narrowly advanced from the preliminaries, securing the fourth and final semifinal slot by a razor-thin margin—a single tie-breaker point.
That underdog position set the stage for one of the tournament’s defining moments. In the semifinals, Qi stunned observers by defeating Li Sihan, a 2P professional from China and the event’s top seed. The tense, closely fought game showcased both his tactical precision and his ability to thrive under pressure.
Seizing the Title: In the championship match, Qi faced Shim Hyo Jun, a top Korean insei widely expected to dominate. But from the opening moves, Qi demonstrated remarkable composure and strategic clarity. He seized an early advantage, methodically expanded his lead, and never allowed Shim a chance to recover. When the final stones were set, Qi had not only won the game but rewritten the history of the tournament.
A Landmark Moment for U.S. Go: Qi’s triumph represents the first time the World Youth Go Championship title has gone to a player from outside East Asia. For American Go, it is a watershed moment, one that will inspire a new generation of young players to pursue the highest levels of competition.
Also representing the United States was Dennis Kuvshynov, who competed in the U12 division. The team was led by veteran coach Mingjiu Jiang, 7P, who praised both young players for their commitment and fighting spirit.
With this breakthrough, Alexander Qi has carved out a place in Go history. More than a personal victory, his achievement signals the growing strength of Go in the United States and the promise of what’s to come.
AGA E-Journal Reporting
photos: (top left) Alex in semifinal vs China; (bottom right) Alex in the final round vs Korea; (bottom left) Dennis in action; (top right) Team USA players with team lead Mingjiu Jiang 7P