Lee Chang-ho Celebrates Historic 2,000th Win: "I'm Happy to Do What I Love"

A meaningful event was held to celebrate the 2,000th career victory of Lee Chang-ho (51), a living legend in the global baduk (Go) world.

The Korea Baduk Association hosted a commemorative event today (November 3) at its building in Majang-ro, Seongdong-gu, for Lee Chang-ho, who became the first professional baduk player in the world to reach 2,000 wins.

The ceremony was attended by Secretary General Yang Jae-ho, executives and staff, Professional Baduk Players Association President Cho Han-seung, and national team head coach Hong Min-pyo, along with other professional players who gathered to congratulate him.

Having turned professional in August 1986 at the age of 11, Lee has set numerous youngest and most records, including a record 17 major international tournament titles.

In particular, on October 26 during the 11th round of the 2026 Sopal Cosanol Legend League, he secured a resignation win (by resignation with black) in 207 moves against Choi Myung-hoon 9-dan, achieving the milestone 2,000 wins (1 draw and 830 losses, with a winning percentage of 70.67%) 40 years and 2 months after turning professional.

Amid numerous congratulatory messages from the baduk community, Lee Chang-ho said, "Thank you so much to everyone for congratulating me."

"I thought about what to say, but nothing else comes to mind other than thank you," he added. "I am personally very happy and honored to have achieved such a meaningful record by working hard at baduk."

He continued, "Some might say I've lived a somewhat monotonous life because I only played baduk, but I am happy that I can do what I love."

He also remarked, "I thought it would be really nice to reach 3,000 wins, but realistically it seems impossible," adding, "I suppose I've thought about maybe having a little ambition to reach 2,500 wins."

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.