International
Tunde Onakoya, Nigerian Chess Champion, Breaks New Record With 60-Hour Marathon In Times Square
The match drew significant attention in Nigeria and was broadcast across multiple locations
New York, Untied States– Nigerian chess champion and advocate for child education, Tunde Onakoya, has set a new world record for the longest chess marathon. Onakoya’s remarkable feat took place in the heart of New York City’s iconic Times Square, where he played nonstop for an astonishing 60 hours.
For Onakoya, this marathon was not just about breaking records; it was also an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of education, particularly for children in Nigeria and around the world.
Onakoya founded Chess in Slums Africa, which seeks to empower children in underprivileged communities by using chess to enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills, in Lagos.
The Guinness World Record organization has not yet confirmed Onakoya’s attempt, which can sometimes take weeks, but for many Nigerians, the 29-year-old is already considered something of a national hero.
Onakoya is attempting to raise $1 million for a charity to support education for children across Africa.
He had aimed to play for 58 hours but continued until hitting the 60-hour mark in the early hours of Saturday morning, surpassing the previous record of 56 hours, 9 minutes and 37 seconds set in 2018 by Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad of Norway.
Onakoya helps Nigerian kids turn chess moves into scholarships
Chess in Slums Africa, the charity Onakoya founded in 2018, aims to help educate 1 million children in slum communities across the continent.
Onakoya played against Shawn Martinez, a US chess champion, in accordance with the Guinness World Record guidelines that any attempt to break the record must be made by two players who play continuously for the duration.
Onakoya get support from Nigeria Human Rights Activists, Nigerian jollof rice, Afrobeats music and messages of support from across the globe, Onakoya won every game against Martinez.
Among those who came out to cheer him on in Manhattan were human Right Activist Omoyele Sowore, Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Davido and singer Adekunle Gold.
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu was among those who congratulated Onakoya online, praising him in a statement released by his aide Ajuri Ngelale.
“Setting a new world chess record and sounding the gong of Nigeria’s resilience, self-belief, and ingenuity at the square of global acclaim.
“I celebrate this Nigerian Chess Champion and founder of Chess in Slums Africa for his rare feat, but especially for the reason driving this compelling demonstration of character, which is raising funds for African children to learn and find opportunity through chess.
The match drew significant attention in Nigeria and was broadcast across multiple locations in Lagos, the country’s largest city, featuring watch parties and digital billboards.
