In a remarkable feat of endurance and skill, Nigerian chess prodigy Tunde Onakoya has shattered the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon, surpassing the previous benchmark set by Norwegians Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad in 2018. Onakoya’s extraordinary achievement comes after an epic battle of intellect and resilience that has captivated audiences worldwide.
On Saturday morning, Onakoya accomplished an incredible feat at the renowned Times Square in New York. Despite experiencing physical discomfort and fatigue, he persevered for an astounding 60 consecutive hours of nonstop chess, facing off against NM Shawn Martinez with impressive determination and skill. Onakoya teamed up with US chess master Shawn Martinez, and together, they remained unbeatable in their efforts following the decision to extend the challenge to 60 hours to account for any possible interruptions.
The chess marathon commenced at 11:30 am EST on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, and saw Onakoya and Martinez engage in non-stop gameplay in the heart of Times Square, New York City. Amidst the bustling streets and towering skyscrapers, the duo’s relentless pursuit of victory has garnered widespread attention and support from Nigerians and New Yorkers alike.
Remarkably, Onakoya remained undefeated after more than 200 games, showcasing his exceptional talent and strategic prowess on the chessboard. However, beyond the pursuit of a world record, Onakoya had a greater purpose driving his marathon endeavor – to raise $1 million to support children in underprivileged communities across Africa with access to education.
Speaking passionately about the event, Onakoya emphasized the significance of their fundraising efforts, stating, “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.” Through his non-profit organization, Chess in Slums Africa, and charity organization, The Gift of Chess, Onakoya has already raised over $81,000, thanks to generous contributions from individuals and organizations.
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Onakoya’s attempt garnered widespread recognition and support from millions of Nigerians worldwide, including prominent figures such as former Vice Presidents Yemi Osinbajo and Atiku Abubakar, Governor of Lagos State Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Ogun State Dapo Abiodun, Chairman of Heirs Holdings Tony Elumelu, popular Nigerian artists Adekunle Gold and Davido, and many others.
With his games live-streamed on platforms like Tittify and Twitch, Onakoya’s monumental achievement has captured the imagination of chess enthusiasts and supporters alike, achieving over 500 concurrent viewers. As of Saturday, the charity had raised another $110,000 thanks to the chess marathon. “60 hours of chess played to fulfill the dreams of millions of children,” Onakoya wrote on social media.
While the world waits for confirmation from Guinness, Onakoya’s incredible achievement remains a testament to human resilience’s power and the human spirit’s limitless potential. Onakoya is not done yet; his journey continues toward new horizons and greater heights. He is an inspiration to us all, proving that one person’s efforts can make a difference, one move at a time.