The World Chess Championship Circuit remains one of the most competitive and prestigious set of events in global chess, serving as the pathway for players aiming to challenge for the coveted World Chess Championship title.
Launched in 2019, the FIDE Grand Swiss, held every two (2) years, has quickly established itself as the strongest classical chess tournament in the world. With its deep field of Grandmasters and unmatched overall playing strength, the event is a true test of excellence.
This year, Nigeria will proudly be represented by a rising star: Tennyson Ewomazino Olisa, a prodigy who has enjoyed one of the most remarkable eight-month stretches of his chess career. The 2025 edition of the Grand Swiss is taking place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, and Tennyson will be flying the green-white-green flag with pride.
From Warri to the World Stage
Born in Warri, Delta State, Tennyson’s journey began when Abolade Odugbesan, a young female chess player, started teaching children in her community. It quickly became clear that Tennyson possessed a natural gift for the game.
His talent blossomed further when he represented Delta State at the National Youth Games, an event that is currently ongoing in the country, providing a platform that continues to unearth new chess talents across Nigeria. Tennyson played various junior tournaments within the country and on the continent, to further his development, and stayed away from the game for academic purposes.
A Historic Year for Nigerian Chess
The year 2025 has proven historic for Tennyson, and for Nigerian chess. He is officially the first Nigerian to qualify for the FIDE Grand Swiss, a landmark achievement in the nation’s chess history, and one that bids to bring fort more opportunities for the nation.His path was anything but easy. Earlier this year, he had to battle his way through the Zone 4.2 West Africa Chess Championship, where he finished second. That result earned him a spot in the Super Zonal Championship, which in turn paved the way to his Grand Swiss qualification.
Alongside Africa’s most decorated chess player, 7-time African Champion, Grandmaster Bassem Amin of Egypt, Tennyson will carry the hopes of the continent, as they compete on one of chess’s grandest stages.
The Challenge Ahead
In the opening round of the event, Tennyson will face off against Grandmaster Salem A.R. Saleh of the United Arab Emirates, a forceful player and national icon in his own right.
However , Tennyson is not one to be underestimated. His 2025 journey has been filled with battles, both victorious and painful defeats, each one sharpening his resilience and skill. With hard-earned experiences behind him, he is ready to take on the world, and to punish anyone who underrates him.
