Tani Adewumi wins U.S. Cadet!

U.S. Chess Online reports another milestone for FM Tani Adewumi! Now 13 years old, Adewumi won the 2024 U.S. Cadet title in Lisle, Illinois. The tournament was held June 20th-23rd and invited the top players under 16. Winning with a score of 6/7, he was a full two points ahead of the field, meaning the other players were essentially beating each other. IM Ryo Chen was 2nd with 4/7. There were also 12 draws in the 28 games played.

Tanitoluwa, which means “who is like God,” holds his winner’s award at the 2024 U.S. Cadets.
Photo courtesy of Adewumi family

According to U.S. Chess, Adewumi won $1,000 and a $10,000 scholarship to the college/university of his choice. Adewumi becomes the second player of African descent to win the Cadet tournament. IM Justus Williams won the 2013 edition in Rockville, Maryland. Adewumi has been in the spotlight since winning the New York Primary grade championship five years ago, creating a national sensation.

Since his rise, he has kept a high profile, earned his National Master title at age 10 and won the North American Youth under-12 championship. He has also earned four IM norms (#1, #2, #3, #4), and only needs to reach a 2400 FIDE rating to have the title conferred. It has been an exciting five years for the aspiring Grandmaster.

Tani Adewumi Wins 2024 U.S. Cadet Championship https://t.co/LiTKjavs9J

— Tanitoluwa Adewumi (@TaniAdewumi) June 27, 2024

Games of FM Tani Adewumi (2335)

Round 1 vs. IM Bach Ngo (2376)

Round 2 vs. FM Eric Liu (2398)

Round 3 vs. FM Zoey Tang (2239)

Round 4 vs. FM Issac Wang (2342)

Round 5 vs. IM Ryo Chen (2374)

Round 6 vs. FM Erick Zhao (2359)

Round 7 vs. FM Ryan Sun (2290)

All Games (lichess.org)

Standings

FM Tani Adewumi, 6; IM Ryo Chen, 4; IM Bach Ngo, FM Ryan Sun, 3.5; FM Joey Tang, FM Erick Zhao, 3; FM Issac Wang, FM Eric Liu, 2.5