History

The European Go Cultural Centre (EGCC) in Amstelveen, Netherlands, holds a special place in the history of Go in Europe. Established in the early 1990s, its creation marked a pivotal moment in the development of the game outside of Asia. The centre was part of a broader effort by the legendary Japanese Go player Mr. Kaoru Iwamoto to spread the ancient game of Go across the globe.

The Founding of EGCC

In the early 1990s, Iwamoto Kaoru, a revered Go master, made a bold decision to sell his famous Go club in Tokyo to fund Go centres worldwide. His vision was to make Go more accessible and to spread its cultural significance. To realize this vision in Europe, the Nihon Ki-In, Japan’s leading Go organization, acquired a building in Amstelveen, a suburban town near Amsterdam, and renovated it into the European Go Cultural Centre (EGCC).

In 1992, the EGCC officially opened its doors, with the mayor of Amstelveen presiding over the inauguration. The centre quickly became the heart of Go in Europe, a place where enthusiasts and top players from across the continent could gather, play, and improve their skills. The EGCC was not only a centre for the game but also a cultural hub, fostering deeper international exchanges among players, teachers, and enthusiasts.

Prestige and International Recognition

In the years that followed, EGCC hosted numerous prestigious events, including European Go championships and training seminars. The centre was pivotal in organizing large international tournaments, bringing together Go players from Europe, Asia, and beyond. One of the most notable events in EGCC’s history was the World Youth Go Championship held in Amstelveen in 1995. This event attracted the best young players from around the globe, cementing the EGCC’s reputation as a world-class Go institution.

The centre also gained further prestige when Erica Terpstra, the president of the NOC*NSF (Dutch National Olympic Committee), visited the EGCC, affirming its importance in the global sports community.

Decline and Closure

Despite its success, EGCC faced challenges as the years went on. By 2017, changes in the Go community and shifts in the business landscape led to a decision to close the centre. The world of Go had evolved, and with the rise of online platforms and virtual tournaments, the role of physical centres like the EGCC began to diminish.

In 2020, the centre hosted its final Go event, the “Teach the Teachers” session, which marked a bittersweet farewell to the institution that had nurtured generations of players. The closure of the EGCC in Amstelveen marked the end of an era for Go in Europe.

Legacy and the Iwamoto Europe Foundation

After the closure, the Nihon Ki-In sold the EGCC building. However, the story didn’t end there. In recognition of the centre’s contributions to the game, Nihon Ki-In donated €1.5 million from the proceeds of the sale to further promote Go in Europe. This donation led to the creation of the Iwamoto Europe Foundation for Go in 2022, ensuring that  Iwamoto Sensei’s legacy would continue. The foundation was established by the European Go Federation and the Nihon Ki-in in close cooperation.

The foundation is dedicated to spreading Go across Europe and preserving the cultural significance of the game for future generations.

The EGCC in Amstelveen may have closed, but its impact on the Go community in Europe is enduring. Its role in the development of the game in the West is still remembered fondly by many players and teachers who spent time there.