Nigerian chess guru, Tunde Onakoya has broken the Guinness World Record for longest chess marathon surpassing the previous world record set at 56 hours, 9 minutes and 37 seconds by Norwegians Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad in 2018.
Onakoya surpassed this record at 7:39pm EST (12:39am WAT) clocking 56 minutes, 10 minutes, since the chess marathon began at 11:30am EST (4:30pm WAT) on Wednesday April 17, 2024
Onakoya, who teamed up with US chess master, Shawn Martinez is still going and wants to set a new world record of 58 hours unbeaten, which he says will be extended to 60 hours to accommodate all interruptions.
They have been playing chess non-stop in Times Square in New York City for over 56 hours, much to the attention and support of Nigerians and other New Yorkers. Onakoya is yet to lose after more than 200 games played.
If finally confirmed by the Guinness World Records, Onakoya’s feat will officially eclipse the nearly six-year-old record.
Onakoya is using the Guinness world record attempt as an avenue to raise $1 million to support children in underprivileged communities across Africa with access to education.
“We’re doing this to raise funds for our project to be able to give millions of children with access to education the opportunity they deserve to learn. Let us raise the money that is needed so all of this won’t be in vain. We’re doing this to the very end, we started already. The rest is just a matter of tenacity,” he said about the event.
As of Saturday morning, Onakoya’s inspiring effort has garnered nearly $100,000 in donations.
Onakoya’s world record ambition has been widely recognised by supportive individuals and millions of Nigerians worldwide who continue to cheer him on to hit the 58-hour mark.
Popular Nigerian music icons such as Davido and Adekunle Gold were reported to have visited the New York’s Times Square after the chess marathon commenced in order to register their unwavering supports to him.
Other notable Nigerians who have rooted for him includes Vice president Yemi Osinbajo, who wrote via his X handle:
Dear Tunde,
“Best of luck in Times Square as you attempt to set the Guinness World Record for the Longest Chess Marathon! Your resilience and spirit inspire us all. Remember your own powerful words: “It is possible to do great things from a small place.”
“Let the dynamic energy of Times Square amplify the greatness that you, a proud Nigerian, bring to the chessboard. We’re all behind you—show the world the strength and determination you are made of!
“God Bless You @Tunde_OD.”
Also, the Lagos state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu while sharing a selfie photo of himself and the renowned chess master wrote:
“Every grand victory starts with a single, bold move akin to a daring gambit—a bold move to redefine possibilities.
“@Tunde_OD; Lagos is rooting for you as you attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon at Times Square in the heart of New York.
“Taking the story of the phenomenal work you started in Lagos with young children to a global stage is a powerful testament to how greatness can emerge from anywhere.”
Tunde Onakoya is a Nigerian chess master, coach and founder of Chess in Slums Africa. According to online sources, he recently organized an intervention in Oshodi, a slum in Lagos State where he and his team engaged children in a two-week session that sought to unlock their potential through the game of chess while learning to read, write and acquire basic literacy skills.
Prior to this, Okunayo is said to have organized similar interventions in Majidun (Ikorodu) and Makoko, all in Lagos State.
