Tanitoluwa Adewumi qualifies for IM title!

Tanitoluwa Adewumi has just completed the rating requirements for the title of International Master. This is a major step toward his next goal of becoming a Grandmaster. Tani’s story is well-known and has been covered extensively on this site. However, a New York Times story would change his life forever.

Since arriving from Nigeria in 2017, “Tani” has made steady progress, winning his first title at age eight at the New York State Scholastic Championship. This feat pushed him into the spotlight because the Adewumi family (Kayode, Oluwatoyin, Austin, Tani) lived in cramped quarters in a homeless shelter.

After Nicholas Kristof of the New York Times broke the March 2019 story on Tani, a GoFundMe was set up, and the donations poured in. An astounding $250,000 was raised on behalf of Tani, and the family stated they wanted to set up a foundation for other refugees.

Fast-forward and Tani became a media darling as he appeared on many high-profile programs. In the chess world, he was active on social media and kept a busy schedule. His FIDE rating went from 1812 in June 2021 to 2305 in May 2022! While he kept making progress and ticking off milestones (Expert, Master, 1st norm, 2nd IM norm, 3rd IM norm, 4th norm), some wondered if all of the social media activity would be a distraction.

His rating progress flattened after crossing 2300 in 2022. However, improvement is not always linear, and he reached 2386 in July 2024. Then came a precipitous drop to 2315 after a couple of disappointing results. However, this was followed by a gradual recovery, and in April 2025, he stood at 2362.

Going into the NYC Chess Spring 2025 tournament, he kept a busy schedule. He played in his first world championship tournament when he competed in the World Rapid and Blitz, scoring a respectable 7/13 in both events, beating several GMs.

Last weekend, Tani participated in an IM norm tournament and opened with a win in a crazy game against IM Josiah Stearman.

While he lost two games (GM Mark Paragua and IM Liam Putnam), he eclipsed the 2400 rating requirement for the IM title. His biggest win may have been over GM Oliver Barbosa.

…and there is the game against GM Raja Harshit. White attempted several dubious ideas and was punished for it.

He had already earned four IM norms, the last one coming in an open tournament. This is a new FIDE rule change to prevent players from getting the required norms in “norm factories,” where there are rumors of unethical practices. Of course, the Marshall Chess Club is a reputable establishment where many legends have played. It is also a staging ground for young talent to move up the ranks.

At 14, Tani is now seeking GM opportunities and may have to hit the international circuit to realize these goals. The IM title will be approved after the U.S. Chess Federation submits the application to FIDE. The Executive Council will then meet to confer the title. Congratulations Tani!

Final Standings (NYC Chess Norms – Spring 2025)