Homeless refugee child crowned as New York chess champion

Eight-year-old Nigerian wins annual state-wide tournament despite only learning game last year

(Getty Images/iStockphoto)

An eight-year-old homeless refugee from Nigeria has been crowned chess champion in New York’s annual state-wide tournament.

Tanitoluwa Adewumi, who lives in a Manhattan homeless shelter with his family, beat off several children with their own private chess tutors to win the third grade title.

Known as Tani to his friend's and family, he triumphed despite only learning to play the game last year.

He will now compete to be named national champion at a country-wide competition in May.

After his victory he said he had two dreams. The first is to go on to become the world’s “youngest grandmaster”, the second is for his family to be allowed to stay in the US.

Along with his dad Kayode, mum Oluwatoyin and older brother, Tani arrived in New York after fleeing their homeland amid concerns that, as Christians, they might be targeted by the Boko Haram terrorist group.

The boy learned chess with classmates at the city’s PS 116 school, joining a club there after staff agreed to waive fees because of his family’s precarious financial situation.

“He is so driven,” teacher Shawn Martinez told The New York Times. “He does 10 times more chess puzzles than the average kid. He just wants to be better. One year to get to this level, to climb a mountain and be the best of the best, without family resources. I’ve never seen it.”

Principal Jane Hsu added: “It’s an inspiring example of how life’s challenges do not define a person.”

As for Tani’s other dream of remaining in the US, the family are set for an immigration hearing in August.

“I feel American,” he said.