The 7th Ibero Latin American Go Congress kicked off Friday, October 31 with a reception and dinner in Quito, Ecuador, and will run through Monday, November 3. Organizers promise that this World Heritage Site, nearly 10,000 feet above sea level, “will become the epicenter of Latin American Go, welcoming players, masters, and enthusiasts from across the region and beyond to celebrate our shared passion for Go.”
The Congress combines high-level competition with international guests and professionals, alongside “spaces for learning, training, and camaraderie without borders” — and, as the organizers put it, “guaranteed fun.” The event theme captures it perfectly: “A historic city, a vibrant atmosphere, and a board that unites us.”
Welcoming remarks were made by Japanese Ambassador to Ecuador Horiuchi Toshihiko, Diego Albuja Ortiz, President of the AEG Club (Ecuadorian Go Alliance Specialized Training Sports Club), and Emil García 6D, President of the Ibero American Go Federation.
International guests include Cho Hye-Yeon 9P (Korea), Ryan Li 4P (US), Guanyu Song 1P (US), and AGA VP of Communications Chris Garlock. U.S. players competing in the Congress include Kevin Li 1D and Michael Kaiser 1D.
In an interview with the E-Journal, Diego Albuja Ortiz traced the history of Go in Ecuador back to “a newspaper message saying, ‘I need Go players,’” that brought together the country’s first enthusiasts. The Ecuadorian Go Association – now the Ecuadorian Go Alliance Specialized Training Sports Club (AEG) -- has existed in some form since 1973, becoming officially recognized in 2014 and gaining international visibility in 1999.
“This is the first time we’ve hosted an event this big,” Albuja Ortiz said. “We just wanted to make a great event here. Everything has come together beautifully — a nice host hotel, good organization, and the spirit of Go you’d find in Japan or Korea.”
For Albuja Ortiz, Go is deeply personal: “I’m a graphic designer, and I first discovered Go while studying the history of games. It became part of my life. What I love most about Go is patience — I know I’ll never be a good player without it, and that’s what I’m learning.” His vision for the future? “Fun. We want to make it fun so people stick with it. And next year, we’ll host the Quito Open, even bigger than this.”
Ambassador Horiuchi Toshihiko shared his enthusiasm for the event with the EJ: “I’m very pleased to see so many people loving Go in Latin America. I’m impressed by the history of Go in Ecuador — already 50 years! Thanks to pioneers like Mr. Ortiz, I hope more and more people will take up the game here.” He added with a smile, “I tried Go on the internet before, but it was difficult for me — today, I was inspired and decided to restart!”
The Congress continues through the weekend, featuring tournaments, teaching sessions, and cultural exchanges celebrating the growing strength of the Latin American Go community.
Report/photos by Chris Garlock, Managing Editor, American Go E-Journal
Photos and full coverage coming soon at usgo.org.
Photos: (left) Diego Albuja Ortiz; (top right) at the reception; (middle right) Horiuchi Toshihiko; (bottom right, left to right): Garlock, Song, Li, Dafne Rios, Emil García, Mikkel Kragh Mathiesen.