Tunde Onakoya, a 29-year-old Nigerian chess champion and advocate for children’s education has made history by breaking the world record for the longest chess marathon.
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Playing nonstop for 58 hours, Tunde Onakoya surpassed the previous record of 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds set in 2018 by Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad.
His effort unfolded in the backdrop of Times Square, New York, where he engaged in a battle against American chess champion Shawn Martinez.
Tunde Onakoya’s record-breaking attempt is by a noble cause to raise $1 million for children’s education across Africa.
His organization, Chess in Slums Africa founded in 2018 is committed to supporting the education of disadvantaged children particularly those living in slums across the continent.
With over 10 million children out of school in Nigeria alone, Onakoya’s mission resonates with the pressing need to address educational inequalities and empower underserved communities.
Tunde Onakoya received support from various quarters. Nigerians in the US, global leaders, celebrities, and hundreds of passersby rallied behind him contributing to the atmosphere in Times Square.
African music reverberated through the crowd, lifting spirits and the sense of solidarity. Online spectators followed Onakoya’s journey leaving messages of encouragement and admiration as he made his name into the chess history.
Tunde Onakoya’s marathon session surpassed the previous record set in 2018 by Norwegian duo Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad, who held the title with a commendable 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds of continuous play.
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The stage for this achievement was set in the iconic Times Square of New York City. Surrounded by the energy of one of the world’s busiest intersections, Onakoya and his opponent, American chess champion Shawn Martinez, engaged in a battle of wits that captivated supporters.
While the Guinness World Records organization has yet to officially confirm Onakoya’s achievement, the magnitude of his attempt cannot be understated.
The guidelines set by Guinness were adhered to ensuring the integrity of the attempt and laying the groundwork for a new world record.
Tunde Onakoya drew strength from the outpouring of support from various quarters. From fellow Nigerians in the US to global leaders, celebrities, and even passersby, the collective encouragement buoyed his spirits and propelled him forward in his quest.
The intense focus required for such a task, moments of respite were interspersed with music and celebration.
African rhythms filled the air, infusing the atmosphere with vitality and joy, as supporters rallied behind Onakoya in his excellence.
Through his organization Chess in Slums Africa, he seeks to empower these children with the transformative power of education laying the groundwork for a brighter future.
For Tunde Onakoya, chess is not just a game but a lifeline that helped him to go through the challenges of poverty while growing up in Lagos’s floating slums.
As news of Onakoya’s record-breaking feat reverberated around the globe, messages of support poured in from far and wide. From Nigeria’s former vice-president Yemi Osinbajo to Lagos state governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
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