Chess Heights Ekiti returned this February with another nail-biting seven-round blitz showdown (20 minutes plus a 10-second increment) that once again proved why this event is one of Nigeria’s premier chess tournaments. Building on last month’s tournament—where Alex Ayomide impressed us all with his stellar performance—the February edition brought fresh challenges and some intriguing surprises.

A Tournament of High Stakes and High Drama

This month’s tournament featured eight top players battling it out on the boards. Every round delivered its own twists, but one thing remained clear from the outset: the level of competition was intense. In the opening round, early wins set the stage as players like Nova Seun and Ajayi Iretomiwa looked to make a statement. However, it was clear that every match was more than just a game; it was a battle for chess supremacy in Ekiti.

A Masterclass by Alex Ayomide

Alex Ayomide, who dazzled us in January, confirmed his elite status with an impeccable performance in February. Throughout the tournament, Ayomide showcased remarkable consistency and resilience. From crucial wins in the early rounds—where he set the pace by overcoming his opponents—to a series of tight contests in the mid-rounds, his focus never wavered.

A pivotal moment came in Round 7 when Ayomide secured his final win by defeating Ayilaran Moyinoluwa. This victory completed a flawless 7/7 run, topping the final standings with a perfect score and a tie-break score of 21.

The Final Standings

Here’s how the players finished after seven hard-fought rounds:

• ALEX AYOMIDE 7 points 

• OLAYIWOLA BLESSING 6 points 

• AJAYI IRETOMIWA  5 points

• OLAJIDE ADEMOLA 4 points 

• MAJID BALOGUN 3 points 

• NOVA SEUN 2 points   

• ADEOBA DEMILADE 1 point

• AYILARAN MOYINOLUWA 0 point 

Looking Back and Moving Forward

In January, we witnessed Ayomide’s rise with a brilliant tournament win, setting high expectations among chess enthusiasts. February not only lived up to those expectations but also raised the bar further. While fierce competitors like Olayiwola Blessing and Ajayi Iretomiwa put up impressive fights, it was Ayomide’s unwavering determination that ultimately stole the show.

With each tournament, Chess Heights Ekiti cements its reputation as a battleground for emerging and established chess talent. As the chess community in Ekiti looks ahead to future events, the excitement is palpable—and if this February is any indication, we’re in for many more unforgettable moments.

Pictures Below