Home Chess News Africans at The Next Gen Cup By Chess.com

Africans at The Next Gen Cup By Chess.com

by Ogunsiku Babatunde
0 comment

A Major Opportunity for African Chess Players to Showcase Their Talents has presented itself and Africa Chess Media will be looking at the Africans participating in the Invitational online event.

The Next Gen Cup offers a unique platform for African chess players to demonstrate their skills and potential on a global stage. Here is a closer look at the Africans who will be making waves in this prestigious event:

Tunde Onakoya

Tunde Onakoya

Widely recognized as Mr. Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya is celebrated for his efforts to use chess as a transformative tool in underserved communities. His achievements include setting a Guinness World Record in New York, further cementing his reputation as a global ambassador for the game.

Rated 2165 on the FIDE rating list for Nigeria, Tunde continues to refine his chess-playing skills while promoting the game to audiences worldwide.

Watu Kobese

IM Watu Kobese | Photo Credit:
Dr. Daaim Shabazz

A seasoned International Master from South Africa, Watu Kobese has a legacy of excellence in chess. A former South African National Champion and Olympian, Watu’s contributions to the sport are as impressive as his playing record.

Rated 2264, with a peak rating of 2408, Watu is a veteran competitor whose experience makes him a formidable force in this tournament.

Solomon Kenny

GM Kenny Solomon

As the most recent Sub-Saharan chess player to achieve the Grandmaster title, Solomon Kenny is a trailblazer. A South African Olympian, Kenny’s presence on the chessboard is both inspiring and commanding.

Currently rated 2280 with a peak rating of 2449 (achieved in 2012), Kenny has spent a good part of his career competing abroad. His return to this stage promises to deliver exciting games and memorable moments.

Goodness Ekunke

Goodness Ekunke

Nicknamed the Baby-faced Assassin, Goodness Ekunke has been a chess sensation since learning the game at the age of six. By eight, he was already dominating age-grade tournaments.

Now rated 2154, Goodness has faced and overcome numerous challenges to establish himself as one of Nigeria’s brightest prospects. Trained by four-time Nigerian National Chess Champion FM Bomo Kigigha, Goodness possesses the mental strength and skill to achieve the Grandmaster title; it is only a matter of time.

Tersee Nyuima

17 Year Old Nigeria National Chess Champion, Tersee Nyuima

At just 17, Tersee Nyuima holds the distinction of being Nigeria’s youngest National Chess Champion.

Tersee began playing chess at age 11 in the slums of Abuja, quickly rising through the ranks under the mentorship and coaching of Chukwuwikeh Eluekezi. Rated 2271, Tersee exemplifies the “grass to grace” story, with hard work and determination fueling his ascent. His participation in the Next Gen Cup is a chance to solidify his path toward the Grandmaster title and the life he bids to give his family.

Conclusion
The Next Gen Cup is not just a competition; it is a celebration of talent, resilience, and the untapped potential of African chess players. With such a strong lineup, this event promises to be a showcase of skill, determination, and the future of chess in Africa.

Grandmaster Maurice Ashley and Kassa Korley to provide expert commentary.

The event will be a round-robin, where each player plays one game against every other participant. All games will be in the 10+2 time control.The NextGen Cup will be broadcast live on Chess.com’s Twitch and YouTube channels. Legendary GM Maurice Ashley will provide expert commentary and insight alongside Chess.com’s IM Kassa Korley. Fans can also expect to see a host of very special guests joining the show.

More information at https://www.chess.com/news/view/announcing-nextgen-cup-2025

You may also like

Leave a Comment