• American Backgammon Hall of Fame

Masayuki “Mochy” Mochizuki

Masayuki “Mochy” Mochizuki photo
Inducted in 2023
From Japan

For an astounding 14 years, Mochy’s unrivaled skill has placed him at the pinnacle of the game, earning him universal acclaim. He triumphed in the Ultimate Backgammon Championship (UBC) three times out of four, finishing second last year. In April of 2023, he won the UBC Contender event and will try to retake the UBC title from the defending champion, 2022 World Champion Sander Lylloff. Such fine results reaffirm Mochy’s dominance. His extraordinarily low performance rating (PR) has consistently surpassed his peers and earned him the coveted Super Grandmaster classification, an honor bestowed upon him exclusively by the Backgammon Masters Awarding Body.

He has made multiple appearances on the Giants of Backgammon lists, including six times as the top-ranked player and once as number two. His legacy includes winning the World Backgammon Championship in 2009 and again in 2021, achieving an unprecedented double win in the Super Jackpot event.

Mochy has dedicated himself to promoting the game in the United States and internationally, sharing his expertise through seminars, lectures, and participation in numerous events. His passion for backgammon has inspired newcomers and seasoned players alike, fostering a focus on excellence.

His philanthropic spirit was evident in his early support as a Gold founding sponsor of the U.S. Backgammon Federation and his volunteering efforts at charitable events, contributing significantly to the growth and development of backgammon in the United States and around the world.

This award pays tribute to Masayuki “Mochy” Mochizuki’s remarkable career, unwavering dedication, and unmatched contributions to the game we love.