Thailand Crowns First Professional Go Player
18-year-old Akira Nuibut has made history as the first Thai national to qualify as a professional Go player in Japan.
According to a report by Khaosod Online, 18-year-old Akira 'Lom' Nuibut has achieved a historic milestone for Thailand by becoming the country's first professional Go player. On November 15, 2026, Nuibut successfully passed the rigorous qualification examination held by the Japan Go Association. He secured the top position in the rankings with an impressive record of 12 wins and only 2 losses across 14 matches. This achievement follows a previous attempt last year where he narrowly missed the professional threshold. His persistence and success in the Japanese professional circuit mark a significant development for the sport of Go within Thailand, potentially inspiring a new generation of local players to pursue international competitive standards. For residents and visitors interested in the local gaming scene, this news highlights the growing presence of Thai talent in traditional strategy sports. While this milestone is officially confirmed by the Japan Go Association, further details regarding his upcoming professional schedule or potential exhibition matches in Thailand remain to be announced. This development serves as a point of national pride and underscores the increasing integration of Thai athletes into global professional strategy gaming communities.
