“My love for chess is what keeps bringing me back.”

For Oyedare Michael Tinuade, Chess Heights Osun has become a regular part of his chess journey.

Tinuade started playing chess in 2023, and while his journey is still relatively young, his ambition is clear: he wants to become a Grandmaster. One of the tournaments that has featured prominently in his development is Chess Heights Osun, where he has become a regular participant.

His best performance at the event came last year, when he won Chess Heights Osun undefeated.

That result remains a standout moment in his Chess Heights journey, but Tinuade’s reason for continuing to return goes beyond winning.

“My love for chess is what keeps bringing me back.”

“I Have a Lot to Learn”

Tinuade remembers his first Chess Heights Osun as a fun experience.

“A lot of people came and it made me realise I have a lot to learn.”

That first experience gave him an early sense of just how much room there was for improvement. Since then, regular participation has given him opportunities to measure that progress.

Asked whether Chess Heights has helped his chess improve, Tinuade said:

“Yes. It has helped me in knowing what I am weak at.”

For a player working towards 2000 Elo, identifying those weaknesses is an important part of the process.

His undefeated victory last year provided evidence of how far he had already come, but Tinuade remains focused on what is still ahead.

Why Does He Keep Coming Back?

For Tinuade, one of the defining features of Chess Heights Osun is its consistency.

“The only difference I see in it from other tournaments is that it’s a monthly tournament.”

That regular schedule gives players in the area something that can otherwise be difficult to find: a reliable opportunity to play competitive over-the-board chess.

For Tinuade, that matters because there are usually few tournaments around the area.

“Getting to play every month is good since there is usually no tournament around this place.”

The tournament has also helped him build connections within the chess community.

He says Chess Heights has allowed him to connect with people rather than simply playing online, adding another dimension to his development as a player.

An Honest Assessment

As someone who has participated regularly — and has already won the event — Tinuade also has a clear view of where Chess Heights Osun can improve.

He feels the level of competition has recently been below its potential because of the decline in participation.

He would like to see more players and better coordination, while also pointing out that events could start more promptly.

His comments reflect the perspective of someone who wants the tournament to grow. He enjoys the atmosphere, but believes a stronger field would make the competition even more meaningful.

More Than Just a Tournament

When asked what Chess Heights is doing well from a player’s perspective, Tinuade highlighted its wider reach:

“Bringing chess to every place possible.”

For him, that translates into regular access to competition, new opponents and opportunities to learn.

His own journey illustrates that process. He started playing chess in 2023, has already won a Chess Heights Osun event undefeated, and is now working towards his next target of 2000 Elo.

The Grandmaster goal is still further away, but Tinuade is building his chess one tournament at a time.

And for now, Chess Heights Osun remains a fixture on that journey.

“My love for chess is what keeps bringing me back.”