Over the course of the Christmas holiday, BruvsChess Founder FM Fawole John Oyeyemi caught up with Awesome John Aanuoluwapo, who recently claimed the prestigious Northumberland Masters U-1700 Chess Championship title. This achievement marked an important milestone in Awesome’s chess journey, as he overcame intense competition.
Fawole: Congratulations on your victory! How does it feel to be the Northumberland Masters U-1700 champion?
Awesome: Thank you. The feeling knows no bounds, and it’s a dream come true! Winning this title has given me a renewed sense of confidence in my abilities and has shown me that hard work and persistence truly pay off.
For the purpose of this interview, Fawole and Awesome will be referred to as F and A, respectively.
F: Can you walk us through your journey in this tournament? Were there any particularly tough games that stood out?
A: Yes! My game in the last round (round 9) stood out. It was against a 9-year-old chess prodigy, Adamjeet Singh. The game was filled with tension and drama from the very beginning. I defended against his Evan’s Gambit, opting for the Anderson variation. This decision led to a very tactical and sharp game. Initially, he had a clear advantage in the opening, showcasing his deep preparation. However, as the middle game unfolded, I managed to seize opportunities and turn the tables. It was a game where I had to employ advanced techniques like underpromotion and deflection. At one point, I made up to ten continuous checks with different pieces before finally delivering checkmate. It felt like a movie scene, and it’s a game I’ll never forget.
F: What was your preparation strategy leading up to the event? Did you focus on specific openings or endgame techniques?
A: I am gradually coming back to chess after some time away, so my preparation was balanced. I stuck to the lines I’ve always played but made improvements based on modern trends. I played several online games and took the time to analyze my mistakes critically. This helped me identify gaps in my understanding and refine my approach. Also, I solved a significant number of puzzles, focusing on tactical motifs and endgame strategies. Puzzle-solving has always been my way of sharpening my calculation skills, and I believe it played a huge role in my success at the tournament.
F: During the tournament, how did you manage the pressure, especially in critical rounds?
A: Managing pressure was a conscious effort. I reminded myself of the three possible outcomes in chess: a win, a loss, or a draw. By embracing this reality, I freed myself from the fear of failure. Instead of dwelling on the unknown, I focused on playing my best moves one game at a time. In high-stakes moments, I relied on breathing exercises and mental affirmations to stay calm. I also reminded myself that there’s always another chance to compete, which helped me stay grounded and avoid being overwhelmed.
F: Was there a pivotal moment in any game where you felt your chances for the championship were secured?
A: Definitely. After achieving five straight wins, I was in a strong position. However, drawing my 6th round and losing the 7th round were wake-up calls. Those results made the 8th and 9th rounds must-win situations. In the 8th round, I played one of my best games, showcasing strong positional play and resilience. By the time I entered the 9th round, I knew that giving it my all was non-negotiable. Securing a victory in that final game felt like the moment when everything fell into place for the championship.
F: How long have you been playing chess, and what motivates you to compete in tournaments like the Northumberland Masters?
A: I learned how to play chess in 1995. During my active years, I participated in numerous competitions, including school tournaments, Nigeria Breweries Limited Open, NEPA Chess Tournaments in Egbin Termal Station, and National Sports Festivals. However, I took a break in 2006 to focus on my career after graduation. Despite the hiatus, my passion for chess never waned. I returned to competitive play in 2017 at the Abu Dhabi Classic Chess Tournament and later competed in Malawi in 2021 African Individuals Chess Championship (AICC). The Northumberland Masters has always been on my radar because it’s an event where players are pushed to their limits. This year, I was motivated by the possibility of winning and proving to myself that I still have what it takes to compete at a high level.
F: Do you have any mentors, coaches, or inspirations in the chess world who have influenced your development as a player?
A: Absolutely. Around 1999-2000, IM Odion Aikhoje (Odirov) shared his games with me to analyze, which gave me valuable insight into advanced play. In 2004-2005, FM Adebayo Adegboyega (Dabee) served as my school coach, and his guidance was instrumental in shaping my understanding of chess principles. When I returned to the game in 2022, FM Abimbola Osunfuyi (Young GM) worked with me during chess sessions, helping me regain my form. In 2024, IM Dapo Adu (Dapsy) also provided sessions filled with strategic insights. FM Fawole John has been an enduring source of inspiration, both on and off the board. Internationally, I’ve always admired the strategic genius of GM Garry Kasparov and the calm precision of GM Wesley So.
F: What are some lessons you learned from this tournament that you’ll apply to future competitions?
A: One major lesson was the importance of patience. I lost a game because I was overly focused on my opponent’s time. With just two minutes on his clock and 55 minutes on mine, I assumed I’d win easily. However, my impatience led to inferior moves, and my opponent capitalized on them. This taught me that time management is as much about quality moves as it is about quantity. Another key lesson is the value of resilience—never give up, even when the odds seem stacked against you.
F: Apart from chess, what other interests or hobbies do you have that help balance your life and chess career?
A: I’m an avid reader and enjoy immersing myself in good books that broaden my perspective. Traveling is another passion of mine, as it allows me to experience new cultures and recharge mentally. These hobbies provide the balance I need to approach chess with a fresh and focused mind.
F: What advice would you give to other aspiring players aiming to achieve similar success in their chess journey?
A: Aspiring chess players should understand that having a coach is crucial. Without guidance, progress can be slow and uncertain. It’s also vital to prepare both physically and mentally. Chess tournaments can be incredibly draining, so maintaining good physical health and a positive mindset is essential. Finally, always strive to learn from your games—even losses are valuable lessons.
F: After this event, what is next? Which major tournaments are you targeting?
A: I am looking forward to competing in more tournaments next year, especially those that will challenge me and help me grow as a player. My focus will be on events that push my limits and refine my skills further.
F: Thank you, Awesome, for sharing your journey and insights with us. We wish you the best of luck in your future competitions and look forward to seeing more of your achievements over the board.
A: Thank you.
