AFRICA | 14-year-old chess prodigy from Ghana named Philip Selikem Amoako has made history as the youngest-ever national chess champion after winning the 2024 Ghana National Chess Championship.
Competing against professional players including a chess master, Phillip emerged victorious with an impressive 7.5/9 score in the 10-player round-robin tournament. His unbeaten performance placed him ahead of prominent international competitors.
Phillip first gained national recognition in 2021 at the age of 11 when he won a silver medal at the African Youth Chess Championships. That feat earned him the prestigious title of Candidate Master, making him the youngest Ghanaian to achieve the honor.
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Beyond his remarkable chess achievements, Phillip is a well-rounded individual with interests in both intellectual and physical pursuits. He is an active athlete, training with Ghana’s national athletics team under the guidance of experienced coaches.
He also enjoys playing lawn tennis, demonstrating a balance between his mental and physical development.
Phillip’s achievements extend beyond the chessboard. He has had the privilege of meeting some of the world’s greatest chess players, including Magnus Carlsen, Ding Liren, and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave.
Notably, he made the ceremonial first move between Carlsen and Vachier-Lagrave during the London Chess Classics, an honor that reflects his rising prominence in global chess circles.
Looking forward, Phillip hopes to to participate in international tournaments and also win scholarships to support his education.
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