Crispin “Goj” Ojwang – Biography

Full Name: Crispin Odhiambo Ojwang born Ojuang
He did adopt Crispin for passport purposes as his official documentation did neither display Crisphine or Crispin. To obtain a proper Internationally valid passport, it was adjusted to only Crispin in all documentation.

Date of Birth: 08. June 1981

Born in/Residence: Starehe now resident of Makadara – Kenya
While it states that Goj did grow up in Starehe, Goj was born in the Kibera slums and did grow up there in the family shanty. He still lives there in two mud rooms. His father passed a few years back, and his mother relocated to a rural farm in Siaya near the Uganda border.    

Crispin does host quite a few nicknames. What are those and what is their meaning?
Goj for Crocodile, Nacet, Kinyozi (Barber), and Ndovu are all his nicknames. Kinyozi is a barber, someone who shaves people/players, so some call him Kinyozi, because he shaves everyone. Crocodile, because he chews up everyone over the board. Nacet is a razor used to shave… because he shaves them in play. Ndovu is an Elephant because you cannot push over an elephant.

How did he get this nickname Goj/Crocodile?
According to the sisters his elder brother was nicknamed Goj somehow he inherited from his elder brother. All others Draughts players did follow foot on it.

How did Goj discover his love for the game of draughts?
In Kenya, like most other countries before smart phones, Draughts was played by people to pass the time. You either played or sat with people playing. When the people did play, they did tell stories or talk politics. So it came naturally.

How and when did he start playing or discovered the game at first?
He started playing when in primary school like ten years old and by 12 years he was beating older and experienced players also in school he was very brilliant but because of poverty he dropped out after class eight.

Did he have any mentor? Coach when he started out?
A man called Omondi coached him briefly in the early days. He was like Goj elder brothers going to the club with him. He guided and accompanied him to the club venue.

First book in draughts?
Sixth by GM Alexander Moiseyev.

Favorite Opening?
None. I prefer an open-minded game. I don’t like patterns.

How many moves do you look ahead?
To be frank, I can see all the games I played and the ones with this person while looking at the current game.

What do you think about during games?
How can I win and get into the prize money? Non-prize games are not too interesting.

Favorite game he played and against who?
I did enjoy the games I played at the WCDF Event in Turkey. I did have very good games against GM Alex Moiseyev and GM Sergio Scarpetta, and did enjoy the International tournament atmosphere. But I was disappointed that they didn’t play more aggressive attacks against me.

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Hardest opponent?
I found English Checkers/Draughts more easily, even opponent-wise, but do really struggle with opponents in Italian Dama.

How much time he spends studying the game?
I don’t study openings, not even 3-Move Openings at all.

Most proud moment in draughts?
Winning all three Vidor tournaments against a world-class field with 30 Wins and 22 Draws to no Losses.

What player does he look up to or idolize?
I do admire Marion Tinsley and meeting Ron King was a highlight as well. Ron King “Suki” has been idolized in Kenya. While he never visited, his prowess and legacy is well known in Kenya.

Most proud achievement?
Boarding the plane and being able to play in Europe.

Winning all those trophies. Do you run out of room already?
I treasure all of them and sometimes bring them to local events to inspire my fellow players.

What is next for GOJ in 2025 and 2026?
I am hoping to win the 2025 WCDF Qualifier to play for the World Title the following year.

Winning the 11 men Qualifier event in the USA. Goj qualified for a match with the current title holder GM Alex Moiseyev:

Unfortunately, we do lack the funds to host such an event at this time due to a lack of government support. Registering our Draughts Federation becomes harder and harder. Speaking from an organizational point of view, it would be best to have it played in the USA.

Editorial Comment: Interview and biographical information were obtained via online channels and submitted via to player and his management. Answers were edited for readability and approved by player and his management. All information is as of July 2025.

Last but not least, the Kenya Draughts Federation is looking to finance another ticket to the WCDF Qualifier in 2025 for Steve Owino, who just graduated from university. He is our most promising talent in Kenya. We’re looking for donations or a repayable loan. Kenya Draughts Association would be the guarantor under the leadership of our captain, Charles Musyoka, for the repayment. Please contact Charles Musyoka under moc.liamg@5102akoysumselrahc for further details.

2026 Tournament Dates | 2026 11-Man WTM announcement