FunMasterMike Battles: 'The Old Man and the Tani'

There's many things we've never done on ChessKid. A cupcake giveaway. A 24-hour stream. FunMasterMike playing kids upside down. Wait, we did do that one!

One thing we can say for sure: FunMasterMike has never played a competitive match (series of games) against a famous ChessKid! On Wednesday, February 10 that will change when he bring his vast jokes and questionable play to a match with chess expert Tani Adewumi!

The match will be called "FunMasterMike and the Tani" (apologies to Ernest Hemingway). Both players will see who's the real chess shark on February 10 at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/9pm UK. You can watch on Chess.com/TV, twitch.tv/chesskid, or youtube.com/chesskidofficial.

You know Tani. He's the former New York State K-3 champion, a published author, qualifier for the 2020 ChessKid Youth Speed Chess Championship, and all-around great story.

He's no stranger to ChessKidland. Here he is discussing his game versus Hikaru Nakamura. Over here is Tani playing a mini-match against one of the top English ChessKids. 

Tani vs. FunMasterMike in 2019 at the Saint Louis Chess Club. Tani insisted on playing black in both games, but for this match, he has to alternate colors! Photo: John Brezina.

And yes, Tani has played FunMasterMike before in two very interesting games over the board. Here's game one and the rematch in game two. But that was almost two years ago. Tani is now 20 percent older and probably twice as talented, while FunMasterMike, well, let's just say he's hoping his back holds up :-)

ChessKid was keeping FunMasterMike's opponent a secret for a while, but now we know: It's Tani!

The match format will be simple: 90 minutes of chess at a time control of 5+1. It will also be a benefit for the Tani Adewumi Foundation, which seeks to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity in the game of chess.

Viewers will be able to contribute to the cause, while ChessKid will also donate to the foundation $100 for every win Tani achieves and $50 for every draw. With Tani on the up and up, and FunMasterMike "burdened" by having to commentate, this match could go either way.

ChessKid really hopes the foundation benefits and children from all over get to experience the richness of our game. To learn more about how you can help with their chess and social missions (like rent relief, Chess in Slums, and more) visit their web site at www.tanitoluwaadewumifoundation.org or email [email protected].

See you February 10!