One thing I am still curious about is the tax implications of being a professional player for the US.
The AGA made mention of potentially tapping US players winnings. If this is the case, does this mean that after having their earnings "taxed" by the AGA, they must also pay federal taxes as well? As far I know it doesn't matter where you make the money, as long as you are a US citizen, you owe Uncle Sam and the IRS taxes on all money earned.
As far as the falling apart of the Asian Go scene, seems like at the very least Japan has been through it before. Please correct me if I am wrong but Go was well funded during the Tokugawa era, then came the Meiji era and Go declined. Another decline during WWII. The advantage most Asian countries have is that Go is very much a part of their history and culture. People will play Go regardless if there is financial reward to do so or not. While I fully support and applaud the idea of having a US Pro Organization, this does seem like an era of decline. Are they planning on riding the wave up when it picks up again? Also I think even with a professional organization, the talent pool is rather small here in the US. Most of the time you need a catalyzing figure to energize interest in a subject. Can we honestly expect a winner in any major tournament in the near future? I'm doubtful.
