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This 10-Year-Old Nigerian Refugee Who Once Experienced Homelessness Becomes America's Newest Chess Master

This 10-Year-Old Nigerian Refugee Who Once Experienced Homelessness Becomes America's Newest Chess Master

The King’s Gambit!

Tanitoluwa “Tani” Adewumi burst onto the scene in 2019 at just 8-years-old, a Nigerian refugee who won the New York State K-3 scholastic chess championship while living in a homeless shelter. The media fanfare he received allowed him several opportunities since then, working hard to visit the Saint Louis Chess Club and becoming an author. Now, at just 10-years-old, Tani has become the newest national chess master. 

Recently, Tani broke the 2200 barrier at the Fairfield County Chess Club Championship tournament, defeating two experts, a master, and an International Master, to become the national master at the age of 10 years, seven months, and 28 days.

Tani is the 28th youngest person in the country to make master, joining the likes of IM Abhi Mishra, GM Fabiano Caruana, GM Ray Robson, and IM Carissa Yip. His Club Champion title and master rating now has the 5th grader breathing rare air. The 10-year-old dreams of one day becoming the world’s youngest grandmaster, and he is committed to reaching that goal, even during the middle of a pandemic. 

 

We're wishing you the best of luck! Congratulations, Tani!

Photo Courtesy of @NickKristof/Twitter