Kisei; great master of go or shogi
A prestigious title awarded to the winner of the Kisei tournament in go or shogi. Also used historically for exceptional players.
彼は棋聖のタイトルを三連覇した。
He won the Kisei title three times in a row.
He became the Kisei at a young age.
棋聖戦は囲碁と将棋の両方で行われている。
The Kisei tournament is held for both go and shogi.
彼女は初めて棋聖のタイトルを獲得した。
She won the Kisei title for the first time.
He has held the Kisei title for three years.
王座 is a separate shogi title awarded through its own tournament, distinct from the 棋聖 title.
棋士 means any professional go or shogi player, whereas 棋聖 is a specific prestigious title only the tournament winner holds.
From 棋 (go, shogi) and 聖 (sage, master). The title was established in the 20th century for professional go and shogi tournaments.