Final Edition of the USE Cup Judan Tournament Concludes as USE Continues Its Support for Go Culture
Since 2011, USE Electronics Co., Ltd. has been the long-standing sponsor of the USE Cup Judan Tournament, making it one of the few corporate-supported professional Go competitions in Taiwan. Fifteen years ago, corporate sponsorship of Go events was far less common, and the environment for professional players was significantly more challenging. The establishment of the USE Cup Judan Tournament originated from Founder Junichi Kato's aspiration to create a professional stage for Go players, working together with Haifong Go Academy Chairman Lin Wen-bo to promote the development of Go in Taiwan.
From left:
1. Opening ceremony of the 1st USE Cup Judan Tournament, featuring USE founder Junichi Kato (left).
2. Award ceremony of the 1st USE Cup Professional Go Team Invitational. (From left) Founder Junichi Kato, professional Go player Joanne Missingham.
3. The Chinese Professional Go Association (CPGA) presents an appreciation plaque to Founder Junichi Kato.
4. Award ceremony of the 5th USE Cup Judan Tournament. (From right) Founder Junichi Kato, champion Hsiao Cheng-hao, and runner-up Lin Chun-yen.
From left:
1. 9th USE Cup Judan Tournament
2. Group photo from the 10th USE Cup Judan Tournament award ceremony at USE Sake Garden. (From right) Haifong Go Academy Director Lin Min-hao, USE Electronics CEO and President Junko Kato, champion HSU Hao-hung, runner-up LIN Li-hsiang, third-place LIN Chun-yen, and CPGA Chairman Ho Hsin-ren.
3. 8th USE Cup Judan Tournament
4. 11th USE Cup Judan Tournament
After years of effort, Taiwan's professional Go players have continued to excel in international competitions, inspiring more enterprises to join in supporting the sport. This progress reflects the very vision behind the creation of the USE Cup Judan Tournament. Last year, the tournament celebrated its fifteenth edition, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of USE Electronics Co., Ltd. For the first time, the championship match was held outside Taipei, taking place at National Cheng Kung University in Tainan. Students were able to watch high-level matches through live broadcasting and commentary sessions, interact directly with professional players, and experience the cultural depth and charm of Go—marking an important milestone in the event's history.
Left: Promotional visual for the 15th USE Cup Judan Tournament championship match: reigning Judan HSU Hao-hung vs. challenger WANG Yuan-jun.
Center: Group photo from Game 1 commentary session of the 15th USE Cup Judan Tournament at Chong-Hua Hall, 2nd Floor, Magic School of Green Technologies, NCKU.
Right: A promotional banner for the 15th USE Cup Judan Tournament on display at the National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) campus.
With the conclusion of its fifteenth edition, the USE Cup Judan Tournament officially drew to a close. USE Electronics Co., Ltd. extends its sincere appreciation to the Chinese Professional Go Association (CPGA), Haifong Go Academy, and all professional Go players for their dedication and support. Their contributions have brought many exciting matches to the public and helped broaden the appreciation of Go culture. Moving forward, USE Electronics Co., Ltd. will continue to support Go-related activities in Taiwan and collaborate with diverse sectors of society to promote and preserve this cultural heritage.
USE sincerely thanks Haifong Go Academy for thoughtfully organizing the USE Cup Appreciation Gathering, and we are grateful to the professional Go players and representatives from the Go community for taking the time to attend. Your presence and support have made the bonds built through Go all the more meaningful. Reflecting on the 15 editions of the tournament, we are honored to have witnessed the growth of Go in Taiwan together, and we remain deeply moved and inspired by the outstanding achievements that professional Go players have made on the international stage. USE and all of our employees extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Go community and to the professional players for their long-standing recognition and encouragement of the USE Cup Judan Tournament. Your support has allowed the event to conclude its final chapter with warmth and lasting significance. We would also like to share the news release published by Haifong Go Academy on March 19: "A Miracle Between Black and White, Thirty Years of Gratitude: The USE Cup Judan Tournament Concludes Successfully."
Left: Award ceremony of the 15th USE Cup Judan Tournament. CEO and President Junko Kato presents prizes to champion HSU Hao-hung, runner-up WANG Yuan-jun, and third-place Chen Chi-jui at Dazhi Denwell.
Past Champions of the USE Cup Judan Tournament
|
Edition |
Year |
Champion |
|
15th |
2025 |
HSU Hao-hung, Judan |
|
14th |
2024 |
HSU Hao-hung, Judan |
|
13th |
2023 |
HSU Hao-hung, Judan |
|
12th |
2022 |
HSU Hao-hung, Judan |
|
11th |
2021 |
HSU Hao-hung, Judan |
|
10th |
2020 |
HSU Hao-hung, Judan |
|
9th |
2019 |
HSU Hao-hung, Judan |
|
8th |
2018 |
HSU Hao-hung, 5-dan |
|
7th |
2017 |
WANG Yuan-jun, 6-dan |
|
6th |
2016 |
Hsiao Cheng-hao, Judan |
|
5th |
2015 |
Hsiao Cheng-hao, 9-dan |
|
4th |
2014 |
Lin Chun-yen, 6-dan |
|
3rd |
2013 |
WANG Yuan-jun, 6-dan |
|
2nd |
2012 |
Chou Chun-hsun, Judan |
|
1st |
2011 |
Chou Chun-hsun, 9-dan |
Partial photo credit: Haifong Go Academy
