FM Tanitoluwa “Tani” Adewumi Wins 2024 U.S. Cadet Championship

13-Year-Old Chess Prodigy Wins U.S. Cadet Championship

FM Tanitoluwa “Tani” Adewumi, a 13-year-old chess prodigy, emerged victorious at the 2024 U.S. Cadet Championship held in Lisle, IL from June 20 through 23. Adewumi, competing against some of the country’s top players under the age of 16, secured the title with an impressive 6/7 score in the seven-round Round Robin event.

Despite being the lower-rated player in five out of his seven games according to FIDE ratings, Adewumi showcased his exceptional skills by winning five games and only yielding two draws. His remarkable performance included a first-round victory against one of the International Masters (IMs) in the field, setting the tone for his dominant run throughout the tournament.

In addition to the prestigious title, Adewumi also claimed the $1,000 first prize and $10,000 in scholarships for his college education, with $5,000 awarded by the Dewain Barber Foundation and another $5,000 from US Chess. This achievement adds to Adewumi’s growing list of accolades, including recently earning his final IM norm and inching closer to the 2400 FIDE rating threshold required for the title.

Adewumi’s success at the U.S. Cadet Championship marks a significant improvement from his performance in the previous year’s tournament, where he finished in last place. This year, he outshined the defending champion and secured a clear victory, finishing two points ahead of IM Ryo Chen, who claimed second place.

Chess enthusiasts can review all the games from the event on LiChess.org. Adewumi’s remarkable journey from last year’s disappointment to this year’s triumph serves as a testament to his dedication and talent in the world of chess.