en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Go_ranks_and_ratings
1 correction found
Above this level, a player must become a professional player to achieve further promotions.
This is incorrect because amateur promotions above 7-dan do exist. Official Go organizations award amateur 8-dan ranks, so becoming a professional is not required for every promotion beyond amateur 7-dan.
Full reasoning
Official sources directly contradict the claim that an amateur must become a professional to be promoted above 7-dan.
- The Nihon Ki-in states that it instituted "8-dan diplomas for amateurs" and lists players who were awarded them.
- The World Amateur Go Championship rules published by the Nihon Ki-in say the winner "will receive an amateur 8-dan diploma".
- The American Go Association also publicly identifies In-seong Hwang as "Amateur 8 dan".
So while many systems commonly cap ordinary amateur ranks at 7-dan, it is factually wrong to say that promotion above that level requires turning professional. Amateur ranks above 7-dan are awarded by established organizations.
3 sources
- History of Topics 2000 | Nihon Ki-in
The Nihon Ki-in has decided to institute 8-dan diplomas for amateurs... Based on this criterion, the following players have been awarded 8-dan diplomas...
- The 34th World Amateur Go Championship in Sendai, Miyagi
The winner will be given the title of the '34th World Amateur Go Champion' and will receive an amateur 8-dan diploma from the Nihon Ki-in.
- 2025 Professionals - American Go Association
In-seong Hwang, Amateur 8 dan