Thomas Y. Hsiang, PhD—one of the most influential figures in the history of American Go and a
tireless advocate for the game worldwide—passed away peacefully on February 12, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones. He was 77.
For more than three decades, Hsiang was widely regarded as the preeminent statesman of American Go on the international stage. As Vice President of the International Go Federation and Secretary General of the International Mind Sports Association, he represented North American players with quiet authority, deep cultural fluency, and unwavering commitment. Colleagues frequently described him as the face—and conscience—of American Go abroad.
Perhaps his most enduring institutional legacy was the founding of the Iwamoto North America Foundation (INAF), which became the largest philanthropic organization supporting Go outside Asia. Through INAF, Hsiang helped secure long-term financial support for professional visits, youth development, international competitions, and the North American Go Congress, fundamentally reshaping the infrastructure of the game in the West.
His leadership was matched by extraordinary strength as a player. Hsiang won the ING Cup twice, the first Go Congress Championship, a U.S. Fujitsu Qualifier, and the U.S. Open three times. He challenged for the U.S. Honinbo title in 1976 and achieved one of the most significant results in American Go history at the 1998 World Amateur Go Championship, where his victory over the Chinese representative marked a rare and symbolic milestone. After that game, he characteristically remarked, “I’m very happy—because Zhao is clearly stronger than me.”
That humility defined him.
American Go Association leaders recall Hsiang as a mentor of rare generosity. AGA President Gurujeet Khalsa described relying on Hsiang’s guidance during early international negotiations that led to INAF and the North American Go Congress. Even as he stepped back from formal leadership, Hsiang continued advising successive AGA leaders on diplomacy, governance, and the long view of the game’s future.
At home in Rochester, New York, Hsiang was equally devoted to teaching. He opened his home to kyu and dan players alike, offering lessons, compiling problem collections known affectionately as “the binder,” and encouraging students with patience and precision. His presence—online as “nomad” and in person at tournaments—commanded instant respect, yet he always made time for learners.
Beyond Go, Thomas Hsiang had a lifelong love of the arts, most deeply expressed through music. A devoted bass singer, he contributed his voice to choirs throughout Rochester, including the Eastman–Rochester Chorus and the Taiwanese Choral Society of Rochester, often singing alongside his wife, Joy. Friends noted that the same sense of harmony, discipline, and collective purpose that guided his approach to Go also shaped his musical life.
In recognition of his immense contributions, Hsiang received many of Go’s highest honors. The American Go Association awarded him the Edward Lasker Award in 2023 for lifetime achievement (photo), and he was previously recognized with a commendation from the Japanese Foreign Minister for promoting Go and Japanese culture abroad. Just days after his passing, the Nihon Ki-in announced that Hsiang had been selected as a recipient of the Okura Kishichiro Award (Okura Prize)—one of the most prestigious international honors in Go—recognizing his extraordinary, decades-long service to the global development of the game. His posthumous selection places him among the most influential figures in Go history and stands as a fitting final tribute to a life devoted to building bridges through Go.
Born in Taipei, Taiwan, on October 6, 1948, Thomas Hsiang earned degrees from National Taiwan University and the University of California, Berkeley, before embarking on a distinguished academic career in electrical engineering. He later became Professor Emeritus at the University of Rochester and a Fellow of the American Physical Society. Yet to the Go community, he will be remembered above all as a builder—of bridges between cultures, of institutions that endure, and of countless individual players whose lives were enriched by his kindness and insight.
He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Joy Witt; his children and grandchildren; and a global community of Go players who mourn his passing and celebrate his legacy.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Iwamoto North America Foundation, ensuring that Thomas Hsiang’s lifelong work continues to benefit future generations.
Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, February 20, from 4–7 PM at Miller Funeral and Cremation Services (3325 Winton Rd. S). His Memorial Service will be held Saturday, February 21, at 3 PM at the Rochester Chinese Christian Church (1524 Jackson Road, Penfield, NY 14526).
Read more: A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS - Thomas Hsiang, 1948-2026
photo: Hsiang with AGA president Gurujeet Khalsa (right) and former AGA president Andy Okun. photo by Chris Garlock