The Canadian Go Association Vice President Who Traveled to China for the Game

Nick first encountered the game of Go in 2004 through the Japanese manga Hikaru no Go. At the time, he was already an accomplished chess player, deeply drawn to strategy games. The vast possibilities and beauty of Go captured him immediately, and he devoted his spare hours to studying and playing Go online. His fascination grew stronger year after year.

Four years later, in 2008, Nick made a decision that would mark a turning point in his Go journey—he traveled to China specifically to study the game. The school he attended was small, a modest institution where professional and strong amateur players taught Go to Western students. Nick spent two months in Beijing, practicing Go intensively every day.

He recalls vividly:

“I loved everything about that trip—the Go, the food, and Chinese culture.”

The experience deepened his connection to the game and broadened his understanding of Go beyond technique alone. It became a cultural experience, an intellectual challenge, and a personal adventure.

Nick says he enjoys participating in Go tournaments around the world, meeting players from different backgrounds, and experiencing the global community that exists beyond the board. Go has become part of his identity, shaping his travels, friendships, and personal growth.

Leadership Beyond the Board

Nick’s passion eventually led him into organizational leadership.

He has served as the Vice-President of the Canadian Go Association (CGA) since 2016, and has been a board member of the North American Go Federation (NAGF) since its inception.

“These organizations and the AGA share a common vision,” Nick says,
“to promote the spread of Go, enhance players' skills, and to make friends along the way.”

He sees the North American Online League (NAOL) as a prime example of this shared mission.

Innovation for the Go Community

Nick is also the co-founder of Leago, an innovative online tournament league platform. Leago has become an essential tool for organizing events—ranging from local club tournaments to major flagship events such as the 2023 US Go Congress.

Leago is free for all AGA members and was designed to simplify and streamline event management.