Meet Jiang Weijie, the Weiqi star

Editor’s note

Meet Jiang Weijie, an undergraduate at Tsinghua’s School of Economics and Management, who is the 2012 World Champion in the board game of Weiqi, also widely known as Go. Let’s read about his experience as both a professional Weiqi player and a student at Tsinghua.

“Weiqi is one of the fairest sports. It helps improve one’s ability to think of the big picture, patience, and coping with setbacks,” says TsinghuaRen Jiang Weijie, describing the influence of one of the oldest board games in the world on him. 

Earlier this year, Weijie participated in the National Games of China, playing 17 games in six days, winning silver for Men's Single and placing fourth in Pair Weiqi. Although it was tiring to play almost three matches per day and a final, Weijie’s years of experience playing Weiqi helped him stay focused and maintain a positive attitude. 

“Losing is something every Weiqi player has to learn to cope with,” says Weijie. “What helps me cope is my love and passion for the game.”

Weijie started playing the game since he was six years old. But later on, unable to juggle his studies with playing Weiqi, Weijie was faced with a hard choice: whether to continue playing Weiqi professionally or return to school. 

“My family conditions weren’t very good at the time. Many other apprentices faced a similar dilemma, and I felt a lot of pressure at the time,” he says. At last, he chose Weiqi. 

While the road was full of difficulties and moments of doubt, in 2012, his efforts were rewarded as he became the Weiqi World Champion. 

“I am very lucky to be living in a time where vast amounts of resources, like AI, are available for Weiqi players and others as well,” he says. 

At Tsinghua and away from the national team, Weijie has continued his training while pursuing an academic degree. He is grateful for the policies and facilities Tsinghua has put in place for athletes to help further their development into better athletes. 

The former world champion maintains an active student life, frequently participating in on-campus Weiqi matches and drawing more attention of the Tsinghua community to Weiqi. He also offers advice to members of the Tsinghua Weiqi team. 

He plans to teach a few lessons during Weiqi class for TsinghuaRen before graduating to inspire more students to try playing a game or two themselves. 

In his final year as an undergraduate student, Weijie is now considering his future. All he knows is that whatever path he takes, it will always be tied to Weiqi.

“Be cautious if you want to pursue a professional career as a Weiqi player. But it is a fine hobby to develop positive attributes that can accompany your whole life.” This is the message Weijie wants to leave for those interested in the ancient game of Weiqi.

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TsinghuaRen | Meet Jiang Weijie, the Weiqi star

Writer: Adam

Editors: Sangeet Sangroula, Liu Shutian

Designer: Liao Yubin