The client has long been involved in competitive gomoku (five-in-a-row) and in related teaching and promotion. The client has an outstanding competitive record, has received honors at regional and international events, regularly takes part in organizing events and professional training, and is well known in the gomoku community.

Results from one or two competitions alone would hardly persuade USCIS, and because gomoku is a relatively niche competitive game, its industry influence is not easily recognized.

Rather than focusing on the ranking from any single competition, the petition brought together competitive results, event participation, media exposure, and professional activities to show the professional standing the client had built steadily in this specialized field.

EB-1A approved.