By Chris Garlock, American Go E-Journal (Quito, Ecuador)
On the final day of the 2025 Latin American Go Congress, Chicago-based Kevin Lee reflected on his first trip to Quito — and his first experience playing Go in Latin America.
“I really enjoy traveling,” said Lee, 27, who works as a data scientist for a public transit agency. “This is a city I probably wouldn’t have had the chance to visit otherwise. I love meeting new people and learning how local Go communities are organized — how they grow, and sometimes how they struggle to grow.”
A Global Game, A Shared Language
Lee, who began playing Go seven years ago after watching the historic AlphaGo matches against Lee Sedol, said the Congress offered a rare opportunity to connect across borders. “The culture here isn’t very familiar to me,” he admitted, “but we have this game in common. That’s enough to start a conversation anywhere.”
One of his favorite moments came during a post-round game review with several professionals and players from multiple countries. “It was happening in three or four languages at once,” Lee said, smiling. “People were jumping in to translate for each other so everyone could follow along. I learned a lot — and it was just such a fun, communal atmosphere.”
More Than a Game
For Lee, Go provides something modern life often lacks. “My favorite thing about Go is that it forces me to step away from my screen,” he said. “It makes me focus, think deeply, and use my brain in a way I’m proud of.”
As the Congress drew to a close, Lee said what he’ll take home isn’t just new joseki or records of tough games, but a deeper appreciation for the Go community itself. “Playing here reminded me that Go is more than a game,” he said. “It’s a bridge — one that connects people who might otherwise never meet.”