Nigerian chess champion, Tunde Onakoya, has broken the Guinness World Record (GWR) for the longest chess marathon.
Onakoya teamed up with US chess master Shawn Martinez in Times Square, New York to set a new world record began begun on Wednesday, April 17.
The child education advocate who recorded the feat in the early hours of Saturday, April 20 achieved the 56 hours 09 minutes 37 seconds record, surpassing the record of two Norwegians, Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad, on November 11, 2018.
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Despite setting a new record, the Nigerian chess expert aims to play for 58 hours without losing a single game.
“Doing this for the dreams of millions of children across Africa without access to education. You guys have been rock solid for me through the years,” he said.
The advocate added that the “ultimate goal” of his attempt is to raise the sum of $1,000,000.
He said the money will be used to “transform the lives of undeserved children across Africa.”
“Tunde’s courageous endeavour to set a Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon is not only a testament to his dedication but also a beacon of hope for underserved children across Africa,” he said in a statement.
“With the ultimate goal of fundraising $1,000,000 to advance the education of these deserving individuals, every contribution, whether big or small, brings us closer to realizing this noble vision.
“Let us unite in support of this noble cause. Together, we are not only witnessing a historic moment but also contributing to a cause that empowers and transforms the lives of children.
“Your generosity and commitment are invaluable as we strive to make a meaningful difference through the power of chess and education.”
FG, Shettima, Davido support Onakoya
The Federal Government has thrown its weight behind chess master Tunde Onakoya’s bid to surpass the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon without losing a game.
Among prominent and other Nigerians rooting for his success are Vice President Kashim Shettima, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, artistes Davido and Adekunle Gold, and the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore.
Shettima shared a post on his official X account showing his support.
“We are not only proud of the ambition of the chess maverick, Tunde Onakoya (@Tunde_OD), in his attempt to break the Guinness World Record for playing chess for 58 hours without losing a game, but also of his humanitarian interventions and his representation of Nigeria on the global stage through this game of brilliant minds.
“Mr. Onakoya is a symbol of excellence and resilience that distinguish Nigerians both at home and abroad, and we stand with him in spirit as he captivates the world from Times Square, New York City. Go, make history, and inscribe our name in gold, his post read.
Also, the governor of Lagos state, Babajide Sanwo-Olu backed the ambition on behalf of the state, describing Tunde’s Guinness World Record attempt as a daring move.
“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,” he stated in his post.
Davido, his wife Chioma, and other 30BG crew members also went to the chess location in Times Square, New York, to support Tunde.
In an online video, Davido is seen hugging the Nigerian chess master.
Similarly, Adekunle Gold showed his support with his presence, cash donations and gadgets needed for the live streaming of the game.
Sowore was also present at Times Square to support Onakoya.
Meanwhile, Global investment bank, Goldman Sachs have donated $5000 to Tunde Onakoya’s fundraiser as he attempts to break the world record for a chess marathon.
With his non-profit, Chess in Slums Africa and The Gift of Chess, Onakoya is using the world record attempt to fundraise $1 million to support underprivileged children across African communities with access to basic education.
“Huge news.. We just received [$]5,000 from GoldmanSachs,” wrote The Gift of Chess on X.
With the donation, Onakoya has been able to raise over $62,000.
His chess games are live-streamed on Tittify and Twitch and have achieved over 500 concurrent viewers.
So far, he has gone over 180 games unbeaten.
During this time, the 29 year old chess master has received support from millions of Nigerians at home and in New York City who continue to cheer him on.
