The 2025 World Amateur Go Championship kicked off Saturday in Vancouver, BC with a day full of celebration, connection, and, of course, Go.
The afternoon featured the traditional Friendship Matches, where WAGC players joined local Go enthusiasts for a spirited series of games, including Pair Go, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and international goodwill. You can catch the livestream replay on our Facebook page.
Later that evening, the Opening Ceremony welcomed players, officials, and guests with a warm and festive program of speeches and cultural performances. Highlights included remarks from:
- TAKEMIYA Yoko, President of the IGF and Chairman of the Nihon Kiin, who, with Tomotaka URASOE, IGF Secretary General, Nihon Kiin Overseas Department, presented certificates of recognition from the Nihon Kiin to AGA President Gurujeet Khalsa and CGA President James Sedgwick, awarding them 3-dan and 6-dan certificates, respectively.
- Hiroko TAKI, Vice President of the World Pair Go Association, noting this yearβs WAGC is being held in North America for the first time and reporting that a number of Pair Go events, including the first Pair Go World Festival, will be held this year as Pair Go comes up on its 30th anniversary.
- TAKAHASHI Yoshiaki, Consul General of Japan in Vancouver encouraged players to play their best in honor of this ancient game.
π₯ Watch the full ceremony here.
Round 1 begins Sunday at 9:30 AM PST.
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Photo: Sedgwick, Takemiya and Khalsa; click here for more photos.