Introduction to the Teams Participating in the 2024 World AI Go Championship

Team: BlueCatGo (USA)

Q: Can you briefly introduce the team or its members?
A: Huang Hantao / Qian Yutong / Xue Mengkai / Zhaonian Chen - absolute experts in the field of Go AI.

Q: Is there any particular meaning behind the team name?
A: We’ve always called it “Blue Cat Go,” with the English name “BlueCatGo (USA),” indicating the team is from the USA.

Q: What is the goal for this competition?
A: Championship.

Q: What is the Go level of the team members?
A: Amateur 6 dan.

Q: What are your thoughts on the development of artificial intelligence?
A: AI can help us achieve greater accomplishments across various fields. I studied medicine at the University of Sydney for nine years, and I believe AI can also help humanity live longer.

Team: Laoqiang (China)

Q: Can you briefly introduce the team or its members?
A: Hu Aoqiong, representative for both LeelaZero and KataGo.

Q: Is there any particular meaning behind the team name?
A: It symbolizes being “battle-hardened” and experienced.

Q: How many AI competitions have you participated in?
A: Many times, around 8 or 9 competitions.

Q: What’s the best result you’ve achieved in an AI competition?
A: Two championships.

Q: What is the goal for this competition?
A: To achieve a good ranking.

Q: What is the Go level of the team members?
A: Amateur 5 dan.

Q: What are your thoughts on the development of artificial intelligence?
A: I hope it can improve human life.

Q: Do you have any message for those interested in AI?
A: Embrace the new technological revolution and create new achievements.

Team: Youth Across (China)

Q: Can you briefly introduce the team or its members?
A: Li Meng: Technical lead, Amateur 6 dan in Go. Liu Xiaoyu: Entrepreneur in the Go industry.

Q: Is there any particular meaning behind the team name?
A: The Go board is a grid of intersecting lines (“纵横”), and we aspire to excel across the Go field worldwide.

Q: How many AI competitions have you participated in?
A: 5 times.

Q: What’s the best result you’ve achieved in an AI competition?
A: Runner-up in the 12th UEC Cup in 2021 (Li Meng participated as the technical lead, representing RankaGo).

Q: What is the goal for this competition?
A: Mainly to exchange ideas, with a goal of reaching the top 8.

Q: What is the Go level of the team members?
A: Li Meng: Amateur 6 dan.

Q: What are your thoughts on the development of artificial intelligence?
A: AI has been a major focus of technological advancement in recent years and has introduced many new business opportunities in the Go industry. There is significant market potential for AI-based Go applications, online playing platforms, and intelligent teaching systems. Go AI can also be applied in other fields, like game development and education, expanding the industry’s growth potential.

Q: Do you have any message for those interested in AI?
A: AI technology is rapidly transforming the Go industry. From AlphaGo to the latest Go AI, these developments have not only raised competitive levels but also introduced new tools for teaching and promotion. We should actively embrace these changes and use AI to enhance both personal and industry growth.

Team: Chen Xiaoyu (China)

Q: Can you briefly introduce the team or its members?
A:
• Dong Ge: Our team leader, the “general” in Go, known for his ability to control the overall game and plan far-reaching strategies.
• Xiao Hai: The “quick striker” of the team, famous for swift and precise tactics in Go matches.
• Mian Bao: The “joseki library” of the team, thoroughly knowledgeable about Go patterns and often secures an opening advantage.
• Xiao Qiu: The “strategist” of the team, skilled in analyzing positions and providing winning strategies at critical moments.

Q: Is there any particular meaning behind the team name?
A: “Chen Xiaoyu” likely represents a team full of energy, humility, a willingness to learn, and a pursuit of free innovation, like feathers in the morning breeze, gracefully taking on every new challenge.

Q: How many AI competitions have you participated in?
A: Once.

Q: What’s the best result you’ve achieved in an AI competition?
A: Top 16.

Q: What is the goal for this competition?
A: To do our best.

Q: What is the Go level of the team members?
A: High amateur level (ranging from 2 dan to 5 dan).

Q: What are your thoughts on the development of artificial intelligence?
A: AI development has greatly advanced the field of Go. With deep learning and reinforcement learning, AI Go programs like AlphaGo can now defeat the world’s top human players. This not only shows AI’s potential in complex strategic games but also promotes innovation in Go tactics and theory, offering new tools for learning and research to Go enthusiasts and professionals.

Q: Do you have any message for those interested in AI?
A: AI is changing our world at an unprecedented pace. It’s not just a technological revolution but also a powerful force driving societal progress. To everyone interested in AI, I’d like to say: let’s stay curious and eager to learn, actively join this transformation, and explore AI’s limitless potential together.

Team: Yin Zheng (China)

Q: Can you briefly introduce the team or its members?
A:
• 2020: ICGA Gold Medal, TCGA Gold Medal, TAAI Gold Medal
• 2023: TCGA Gold Medal, TAAI Gold Medal
• 2024: ICGA two Golds and one Silver, UEC Silver Medal, TCGA three Gold Medals

Q: Is there any particular meaning behind the team name?
A: Those who understand, understand.

Q: What’s the best result you’ve achieved in an AI competition?
A: Making many friends.

Q: What is the goal for this competition?
A: To make even more friends.

Q: What is the Go level of the team members?
A: Average level is Amateur 6 dan.

Q: What are your thoughts on the development of artificial intelligence?
A: AI has developed rapidly over the past five years. In 2019, chatbots could only produce dull and meaningless content, but now they can chat, search, analyze data, make logical inferences, and even code. Similarly, computer Go has advanced significantly. In 2019, models like ELF OpenGo, LeelaZero, and KataGo required multiple computers to train a powerful model, making such achievements out of reach for most people. Today, a single GPU can replicate the results of those days, making the computational cost affordable for anyone. This progress has turned what was once considered an impossible task into a reality. We believe that in the next five years, with advances in hardware and technology, more challenges in computer Go will be conquered.

Q: Do you have any message for those interested in AI?
A: In the past five years, open-source Go software has gradually surpassed commercial software, allowing the general public to access top-level Go programs. However, the widespread use of open-source software in certain competitions has led to an unhealthy development environment. We are currently focused on creating our own original program and hope to develop powerful and interesting software in the future that will benefit Go enthusiasts worldwide.

Team: VisionGo (China)

Q: Can you briefly introduce the team or its members?
A: Zhao Haoming / Wang Chunqing

Q: Is there any particular meaning behind the team name?
A: The name “VisionGo” reflects the ever-changing nature of Go games, where each move can dramatically alter the situation. The character “幻” (fantasy/illusion) represents this variability. In Go, the black and white stones weave together to create intricate patterns, resembling a dream-like diversity filled with countless possibilities and uncertainties. VisionGo aims to deeply understand and simulate this complexity through its research and development in Go AI, using algorithms and strategies to help its AI find optimal or reasonable responses in complex, shifting positions.

Q: How many AI competitions have you participated in?
A: Once.

Q: What’s the best result you’ve achieved in an AI competition?
A: Champion.

Q: What is the goal for this competition?
A: To win the championship.

Q: What is the Go level of the team members?
A: Amateur 1 dan.

Q: What are your thoughts on the development of artificial intelligence?
A: AI will create limitless possibilities, lead the era, and benefit humanity.

Q: Do you have any message for those interested in AI?
A: By observing AI’s performance in Go, you can see its advancements. We hope everyone will pay more attention to AI, as it will bring convenience and benefits to humanity across various aspects of life.


Team: Zhizi Go (China)

Q: Can you briefly introduce the team or its members?
A: The Zhizi Go team has always been dedicated to providing Go enthusiasts and players with a powerful, affordable, and user-friendly AI experience. Through this AI competition, the team has further improved its technical capabilities, aiming to develop and optimize a high-performance and efficient KataGo to better serve Go players in the future. Our team consists of experienced software engineers, seasoned algorithm experts in Go AI, high-level Go players, and enthusiasts with extensive experience in using Go AI.

Q: Is there any particular meaning behind the team name?
A: The name “Zhizi” comes from the Chinese science fiction novel The Three-Body Problem, symbolizing the embrace of new technology and the dawn of a new era. The characters “智” (wisdom) and “子” (stone) perfectly capture the essence of AI and Go, representing the fusion of modern technology with traditional wisdom.

Q: What is the goal for this competition?
A: Our main goal is to experiment and accumulate technical experience before the competition to provide an even better Go AI for users in the future. The focus of this competition is on learning and exchange, as there are many strong teams participating. We’ll do our best and let the results follow naturally.

Q: What is the Go level of the team members?
A: Ranges from amateur Kyu level to amateur 6 dan.

Q: What are your thoughts on the development of artificial intelligence?
A: AI is gradually integrating into all aspects of our lives, and we’re fortunate to live in an era filled with technological innovation. Looking forward, AI will become even more closely tied to our daily lives, bringing us more convenience and new ideas.

Q: Do you have any message for those interested in AI?
A: We Go enthusiasts have been lucky to experience the profound impact of AI on our learning and thinking processes over the past few years. As AI becomes more widespread in everyday life, it will be crucial to adjust and adapt our thinking to better embrace and benefit from this technological transformation.

Team: Yewen Go (China)

Q: Can you briefly introduce the team or its members?
A: Go enthusiasts.

Q: Is there any particular meaning behind the team name?
A: We hope our AI can embody the spirit of Yewen, exploring the essence of Go and promoting the innovative development of traditional culture.

Q: What is the goal for this competition?
A: Top 16.

Q: What is the Go level of the team members?
A: Amateur 5 dan.

Q: What are your thoughts on the development of artificial intelligence?
A: The advancement of AI has brought numerous positive impacts, opening new possibilities for human society. Firstly, AI has greatly improved efficiency and accuracy across various industries. In healthcare, AI assists with diagnostics and drug development, accelerating disease detection and treatment, saving countless lives. In transportation, advancements in autonomous driving make travel safer and more convenient, with the potential to reduce accidents and enhance travel experiences. In education, AI offers personalized learning platforms, allowing students to learn at their own pace and meet individual needs, enhancing both equity and effectiveness. In manufacturing, AI has introduced automation, significantly increasing productivity, enabling companies to produce high-quality products at lower costs. Furthermore, AI has propelled scientific research, especially in data processing and analysis. AI can quickly handle massive data sets, helping scientists identify patterns and make predictions, thereby speeding up the innovation process. In environmental protection and climate change, AI is applied in ecological monitoring, resource management, and climate modeling, providing effective tools for sustainable development. In summary, AI’s progress not only improves quality of life but also unlocks humanity’s limitless potential in knowledge and innovation, laying a solid foundation for a future intelligent society.

Q: Do you have any message for those interested in AI?
A: To those interested in AI, I would say that AI is not only a technological advancement but also a key force driving the future. Stay curious, keep learning, and stay updated on the latest trends to help you go further in this rapidly evolving field. At the same time, the development of AI requires responsible application, thinking about how to use technology to benefit society. I hope you can embrace both passion for exploration and social responsibility, helping AI move toward a smarter and more inclusive future.

Team: Shidi Zhiyi Star (China)

Q: Can you briefly introduce the team or its members?
A: The Shidi Zhiyi Star Go AI development team is a professional group dedicated to the research and innovation of Go AI. Using deep learning and reinforcement learning, they continuously enhance the decision-making capabilities of their Go AI. The team has extensive research and development experience and strong technical skills.

Q: Is there any particular meaning behind the team name?
A:
• “Shidi” (Territory): In Go terminology, it refers to areas completely controlled by one side, highlighting the team’s command and solid foundation in Go.
• “Zhi” (Wisdom): Represents intelligence, emphasizing the team’s high-level thinking and problem-solving skills in AI development.
• “Yi” (Art): Represents the artistic nature of Go, reflecting the team’s expertise in the art of Go.
• “Star”: Symbolizes ambition and guidance, suggesting the team’s goal to become a leader in the field of Go AI.

Overall, the name conveys that the team possesses wisdom and exceptional skills in Go AI and aims to lead the industry.

Q: What is the goal for this competition?
A: Championship.

Q: What is the Go level of the team members?
A: Ranges from beginner level to Amateur 5 dan.

Q: What are your thoughts on the development of artificial intelligence?
A: I believe AI development is a field full of opportunities and challenges. Here are some of my thoughts on AI development:
• Driving Social Progress: AI’s rapid advancement is transforming various industries, from healthcare and education to transportation and manufacturing, enhancing efficiency and intelligent services. This change not only boosts productivity but also promotes overall social progress.
• Innovation and Technological Breakthroughs: AI drives innovation and breakthroughs, especially in areas like machine learning and deep learning, paving the way for applications in more fields as these technologies mature.
• Challenges and Risks: Despite the benefits, AI faces many challenges and risks, such as data privacy issues, algorithmic bias, and job displacement. Society needs to address these issues responsibly.
• Ethics and Responsibility: With the development of AI, ethical concerns are becoming more prominent. Ensuring AI’s fairness, transparency, and controllability is essential, requiring the collective effort of developers, policymakers, and the public to align AI with societal ethics and values.
• Future Outlook: Looking ahead, AI will continue to play a crucial role across various fields, pushing society toward a more intelligent and efficient future. However, we must also remain vigilant about potential risks, strengthen regulations and ethical guidance, and ensure AI’s healthy development.

In summary, AI’s evolution is a complex process filled with unprecedented opportunities, yet accompanied by significant challenges and risks. We need to approach this transformation with openness, inclusiveness, and responsibility to drive the healthy advancement of AI technology.

Team: Da Pang Go (China)

Q: Can you briefly introduce the team or its members?
A: Jinpai commentator Jiang Da Pang.

Q: Is there any particular meaning behind the team name?
A: The online Go platform ID of the team member is “Jiang Da Pang.”

Q: How many AI competitions have you participated in?
A: Around 10 times.

Q: What’s the best result you’ve achieved in an AI competition?
A: Runner-up.

Q: What is the goal for this competition?
A: To reach the top four.

Q: What is the Go level of the team members?
A: Amateur 5 dan.

Q: What are your thoughts on the development of artificial intelligence?
A: The future looks promising. With more competitions, AI’s popularity and attention will continue to grow.

Q: Do you have any message for those interested in AI?
A: Many people might feel AI has reached its peak, but in my opinion, this is just the beginning.

Team: Symplect Go (China)

Q: Can you briefly introduce the team or its members?
A: First participated in an AI competition in 2021, with all aspects (configuration, testing, etc.) managed solely by myself (An Xiuyuan).

Q: Is there any particular meaning behind the team name?
A: AI development is rooted in mathematics, and the team members at the time were particularly interested in this branch of mathematics, so they chose this name.

Q: How many AI competitions have you participated in?
A: Once in 2021, four times in 2022 (or three if excluding the AI Cup on the Fox Go platform), and once in 2023, totaling around five times.

Q: What’s the best result you’ve achieved in an AI competition?
A: Won the 2022 UEC Cup finals round-robin with a 7-0 record.

Q: What is the goal for this competition?
A: “Do good deeds without asking about the future.” There are many strong teams in this competition, but we are aiming for the championship.

Q: What is the Go level of the team members?
A: Amateur 5 dan, Fox 6 dan.

Q: What are your thoughts on the development of artificial intelligence?
A: AI has thoroughly revolutionized the game of Go. Its invention and progress are incredibly beneficial for Go, and I will continue to support AI’s development. Beyond Go, AI has also transformed everyday life. However, AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) is different from Go AI, and it’s essential to focus on safety as it develops.

Q: Do you have any message for those interested in AI?
A: Almost all programs in this competition are based on KataGo, and I also frequently train KataGo. I encourage AI enthusiasts to contribute their GPUs to support KataGo and make it even stronger! For more information, please visit the KataGo official website!

Team: Lvdou Daqu Intelligent Team (China)

Q: Is there any particular meaning behind the team name?
A: If we win, we’ll celebrate with a drink for the team.

Q: What is the goal for this competition?
A: Top 8.

Q: What are your thoughts on the development of artificial intelligence?
A: Although AI has made progress in simulating human behavior and emotions, it still cannot fully replicate certain human experiences, like the joy of sharing a drink. This joy isn’t just about taste but involves deep emotional connections and social interactions, a bond between people that no algorithm or program can fully imitate.

Q: Do you have any message for those interested in AI?
A: In this fast-paced era, the rise of AI has greatly simplified our daily lives. Imagine, when AI takes over repetitive and time-consuming tasks, you can free up more time to enjoy life—whether that’s spending time with family, pursuing hobbies, or simply relaxing. AI enhances work efficiency through automation and task management, helping you recalibrate your work-life balance, giving you more time to explore, connect, and chase dreams, making life more fulfilling.

Team: Little Wolf Go (China)

Q: Can you briefly introduce the team or its members?
A: I’m Alex Zheng, a Go AI enthusiast. I first heard of Go AI in 2012 when Zen defeated Japanese player Koichi Kobayashi with a five-stone handicap, learning that Go was one of the most challenging areas for AI. In 2014, I discovered Zen’s activities on the KGS platform and became deeply interested in Go AI history and developments. My interest in Go AI has continued ever since. I once considered making Go AI my career, but AlphaGo’s breakthrough in 2016 turned that dream into a memory. In early 2021, I began modifying KataGo independently to improve handicap game performance, testing it on KGS. By the end of 2021, I moved testing to the Fox Go platform, with support from several individuals, including Aiki Go and teacher Hu Aoqiong, for which I am very grateful. In mid-2023, I participated in my first Go AI competition. Although the results were less than ideal, it was one of my most memorable experiences. At the start of 2024, based on my understanding of KataGo’s internal code, I shifted my focus to improving KataGo’s performance in even games. I hope this year’s AI competition will showcase the results of my research.

Q: Is there any particular meaning behind the team name?
A: The main reason is that I used a “wolf”-related username online for a long time, so I wanted to associate the team name with it. The final name was inspired by the character Syaoran (Li Xiaolang) from Cardcaptor Sakura, reflecting my love for anime.

Q: How many AI competitions have you participated in?
A: Once.

Q: What’s the best result you’ve achieved in an AI competition?
A: 7th place.

Q: What is the goal for this competition?
A: My goal this year is to pass the preliminary rounds and reach the finals.

Q: What are your thoughts on the development of artificial intelligence?
A: AI has made historic breakthroughs across various fields and is gradually impacting people’s lives. Although it’s been over eight years since AlphaGo’s breakthrough, research and advancements in Go AI have continued. Open-source, distributed projects like LeelaZero and KataGo have significantly lowered the barrier to entry for Go AI enthusiasts. Whether by running simulations or contributing to code research and improvements, people can now participate at their own level. I consider these projects remarkable achievements, and I want to thank their creators, GCP and David Wu. While it’s undeniable that Go AI’s development has impacted traditional Go platforms and competitions, managing the misuse of Go AI remains challenging. However, I believe that as a technology, Go AI’s advancement is both necessary and inevitable.

Q: Do you have any message for those interested in AI?
A: Thank you to everyone who supports and follows the Go AI field. I firmly believe that the next generation can surpass its predecessors. From my perspective, the original KataGo still has substantial room for improvement. I hope to showcase the results of my year’s work in this Go AI competition.

Team: China - MythGo (MythGo)

Q: Can you briefly introduce the team or its members?
A: Li Tian and Yang Kaifei.

Q: Is there any particular meaning behind the team name?
A: To fulfill the destiny of advancing Go.

Q: What is the goal for this competition?
A: Championship.

Q: What are your thoughts on the development of artificial intelligence?
A: AI has significantly improved industry productivity and created innovative work models. It adds convenience to life, such as through smart home technologies.

Q: Do you have any message for those interested in AI?
A: Embrace technology and make use of it.