Who Is Tanitoluwa Adewumi? Age, Biography and Wiki
Tanitoluwa Adewumi was born on September 3, 2010, making him 15 years old in 2025. Hailing from Nigeria, Tanitoluwa gained international recognition as an extraordinary chess prodigy. His journey into the world of chess began at a young age when he fled Nigeria due to the Boko Haram insurgency. In the United States, he quickly ascended to fame, becoming one of the youngest masters ever and inspiring many with his story of resilience and determination.
| Occupation | Chess Player |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 3, 2010 |
| Age | 15 Years |
| Birth Place | Nigeria |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | Nigeria |
Popularity
Tanitoluwa Adewumi's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
As of 2025, Tanitoluwa stands at an approximate height of 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm). His weight is around 130 pounds (59 kg), reflecting the athleticism that comes with his active lifestyle as a competitive chess player. While specific body measurements are not publicly available, his youthful physique embodies both a strong mental and physical discipline essential in the world of chess.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Tanitoluwa comes from a close-knit family that has been supportive of his chess career. While he is still quite young and focused on his education and chess endeavors, there are currently no public records of him having a girlfriend or being in a romantic relationship. His parents are very involved in his life, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balanced approach between academics, relationships, and his passion for chess.
Shawn Martinez, the head chess coach at P.S. 116, introduced students to the game. Tanitoluwa immediately took to it and wanted to join a club run by 1700-rated coach Russell Makofsky.
That would have been expensive; the $330 fee included not only the cost of running the club, but also such things as entries to tournaments, travel, and accommodation. When Adewumi's mother told Makofsky of the family's financial situation, he waived the fee.
In early 2018, Adewumi, who had been assigned the lowest estimated rating of 105, played in his first tournament. A year later, he had accumulated seven trophies. His coaches were impressed by his dedication and hard work and by the progress he had made since starting as a novice.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Tanitoluwa Adewumi's estimated net worth is around $500,000, a figure accumulated through various chess tournaments, sponsorships, and endorsements. His salary largely depends on competition winnings, which can vary significantly based on performance. Additionally, he participates in promotional events and media appearances that contribute to his income.
Career, Business and Investments
Tanitoluwa's career as a chess player has flourished since he became a national sensation. By 2025, he has participated in numerous prestigious chess tournaments and has consistently performed well. Beyond competing, Tanitoluwa is involved in inspirational speaking engagements where he shares his journey and promotes chess as a beneficial activity for young minds.
While specific business ventures or investments are limited due to his age, there have been discussions regarding chess camps and educational programs that may be developed under his name in the future. This would align with his passion for teaching and encouraging other young chess enthusiasts.
Tanitoluwa is the son of Kayode James Adewumi (born June 24, 1976, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria) and Oluwatoyin Kuburat Adewumi (born June 16, 1981, Ado Ekiti). He has a brother who is seven years older. Kayode used to run a print shop in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, with 13 employees, and Oluwatoyin used to work as an accountant.
Social Network
Tanitoluwa Adewumi has a significant presence on social media platforms, where he engages with fans and shares insights into his life and chess journey. He has accounts on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, where he interacts with followers, showcases his achievements, and promotes chess-related events. His online presence continues to grow as he captures the hearts of many aspiring chess players worldwide.
In 2019, the story of his winning the New York Scholastics was reported by Nicholas Kristof in the New York Times, and rapidly attracted national and international attention both inside and outside the chess world. Agadmator, a leading chess YouTuber, published an analysis of Adewumi's only available game from the tournament.
Garry Kasparov, former World Chess Champion, praised this achievement by a refugee immigrant. Bill Clinton, former U.S. president, invited him to visit him in his office in Harlem, New York, and he did. Abike Dabiri, Senior Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora to Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari, called him "a pride to the nation".
Education
In 2025, Tanitoluwa is balancing his chess career with his education. He attends a reputable high school where he excels academically. His commitment to learning is evident, as he understands that a solid educational foundation is crucial for his future, both in and out of chess. His school also supports extracurricular activities, which allows him to pursue his passion while maintaining good academic standing.
Tanitoluwa Emmanuel "Tani" Adewumi (born September 3, 2010) is a Nigerian-American chess player who currently holds the title of FIDE Master (FM). A chess prodigy, he won the 2019 K-3 New York State chess championship at the age of 8 after having played the game for only a year while living with his refugee family in a homeless shelter in Manhattan.
