Tunde Onakoya, a 29-year-old Nigerian chess champion, has achieved a remarkable feat by breaking the record for the longest chess marathon, clocking an impressive 58 hours of continuous gameplay.
Onakoya embarked on this extraordinary journey at Times Square in New York, commencing on Wednesday and surpassing the previous record of 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds set in 2018 by Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad.
Reflecting on his monumental achievement, Onakoya expressed a whirlwind of emotions, stating, “I can’t process a lot of the emotions I feel right now. I don’t have the right words for them. But I know we did something truly remarkable.”
The chess marathon served as a platform for Onakoya to raise awareness and funds for children’s education across Africa. Through his non-profit organization, Chess in Slums Africa, he aims to generate $1 million to support the education of underprivileged children in slums across the continent.
Nigerian chess champion breaks record after playing nonstop for 58 hours https://t.co/rzYLDDOler
— The Guardian (@guardian) April 20, 2024
During the marathon, Onakoya faced off against Shawn Martinez, a US chess champion, adhering to Guinness World Record guidelines, which mandate that two players must engage in continuous gameplay throughout the duration of the attempt.
While Guinness World Records is yet to officially confirm Onakoya’s achievement, the impact of his endeavor has already reverberated globally. Within the first 20 hours of the attempt, a staggering $22,000 was raised, showcasing the overwhelming support garnered from Nigerians in the US, global leaders, celebrities, and passersby.
The significance of Onakoya’s record-breaking feat extends beyond the realm of chess. It symbolizes hope and resilience for millions of children across Africa who lack access to education. With more than 10 million children out of school in Nigeria alone, initiatives like Chess in Slums Africa play a vital role in addressing this pressing issue.
Throughout the marathon, Onakoya’s energy remained unwavering, fueled by the support and encouragement of his fellow Nigerians and supporters. Despite the grueling hours of gameplay, moments of respite were filled with music and camaraderie, reflecting the unity and spirit of community that defined this historic event.
As Onakoya continues his mission to empower disadvantaged youth through education, his record-breaking achievement stands as a testament to the boundless potential that resides within every individual, regardless of circumstance.
Sarah’s View:
Tunde Onakoya, a 29-year-old Nigerian chess champion, captivated the world with his remarkable endurance, shattering the record for the longest chess marathon by playing for an astonishing 58 hours straight. Beginning his feat in Times Square, New York, Onakoya surpassed the previous record, held by Norwegian players, with a mix of determination and passion. His emotions, a whirlwind of pride and disbelief, echoed his sentiment of achieving something truly extraordinary. Beyond personal glory, Onakoya’s marathon was a beacon of hope, raising funds to support underprivileged children’s education across Africa through his organization, Chess in Slums Africa. Surrounded by support from fellow Nigerians and well-wishers, his journey symbolized resilience and unity, inspiring millions to pursue their dreams despite challenges. Onakoya’s record-breaking endeavor embodies the transformative power of perseverance and community, leaving an indelible mark on hearts worldwide.
