The Iwamoto North America Foundation for Go (INAF) has announced Andrew Okun as the
recipient of its 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his long-standing dedication and impactful leadership in the North American Go community. Okun is celebrated for both his organizational skill and vision, having played a central role in advancing Go on the continent and abroad.
Okun began playing Go in 2002 and served as President of the American Go Association (AGA) for a decade, from 2012 to 2022. During his leadership, he guided the AGA through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic by supporting the organization of virtual U.S. Go Congresses in 2020 and 2021 and helping to resume in-person events in 2022. Known for his steady and encouraging presence, he supported the volunteers who make these congresses possible, focusing on fostering a welcoming community rather than financial outcomes alone.
He also played a crucial role in the development of North American Go professionals. Okun collaborated with Myungwan Kim (9P) to launch professional qualification tournaments in 2012, creating a new path for local players to earn pro status. In 2020, he co-founded the North American Go Federation (NAGF), which unites the AGA and Canadian Go Association (CGA) under a shared professional system. Okun currently chairs the NAGF board and remains actively involved in promoting joint efforts between the two national organizations.
Okun’s influence extends to the global Go scene as well. He was part of the founding team of the Iwamoto North America Foundation and now serves as the Anti-Doping Officer for the International Go Federation (IGF), addressing essential requirements for Go’s inclusion in global sporting events like the Olympics. INAF praised Okun as a dedicated and forward-thinking leader whose contributions have left a lasting mark on the game.
photos by Phil Straus
