Bengals CB Chidobe Awuzie battles Chiefs player in online chess match
When he's not shutting down opposing No. 1 wide receivers in the Fall, Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Chidobe Awuzie likes to test his mettle in a game of wits rather than physicality. Awuzie is an avid chess player with over 2,000 wins to his name according to his chess.com profile. Last year, he defeated his former […]
When he's not shutting down opposing No. 1 wide receivers in the Fall, Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Chidobe Awuzie likes to test his mettle in a game of wits rather than physicality.
Awuzie is an avid chess player with over 2,000 wins to his name according to his chess.com profile. Last year, he defeated his former teammate and current Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper in the 2022 BlitzChamps Tournament, a championship format featuring NFL chess players.
A year later, the 28-year old defensive back found himself in the finals once more, looking to defend his title. This time, he faced an opponent representing another rival club.
Awuzie squared off against Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Drue Tranquill in the BlitzChamps II finals, as if the rivalry between the Bengals and Chiefs couldn't get any more intense.
Awuzie fell to Tranquill, but just like last year when he emerged victorious, he was able to funds towards the Awuzie Kick Step Foundation. The second-place finish garnered $20,000 for his foundation.
Chess is not only a passion for Awuzie, but a shared passion inside the Bengals locker room. Quarterback Joe Burrow also plays frequently with his teammates. Awuzie has never been shy to explain how it applies to his job as a player.
Awuzie will have to take his revenge against Tranquill on the field this year when the Bengals face the Chiefs on New Year's Eve. Perhaps another playoff matchup will be in store for them a few weeks later.
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Featured image via © Albert Cesare / The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
