Tunde Onakoya Shatters Records: A Tale Of Chess, Charity, And Endurance

In a dazzling display of skill and determination, Nigerian chess prodigy and advocate for child education, Tunde Onakoya, has etched his name in the annals of history by breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon. Amidst the vibrant ambiance of New York City’s iconic Times Square, Onakoya embarked on an extraordinary journey, battling across the chessboard for a staggering 60 hours without rest.

While the official stamp of approval from the Guinness World Record organization is pending—a process that can often stretch over weeks—Onakoya's feat has already propelled him into the hearts of many Nigerians, where he is heralded as a national hero at the tender age of 29.

Driven by a noble cause, Onakoya set out to raise a lofty sum of $1 million for a charity dedicated to advancing education for underprivileged children across Africa. His relentless pursuit of this goal saw him initially aiming for a 58-hour mark, only to defy expectations and push himself further, ultimately crossing the 60-hour threshold in the early hours of a Saturday morning. This extraordinary accomplishment eclipsed the previous record of 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds, held by Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad of Norway since 2018.

Taking to the digital stage of X, formerly known as Twitter, Onakoya rallied supporters with a fervent declaration: "We’re pushing to 60 hours, guys. We’re not stopping yet. Let’s keep going. We have a fundraising goal to meet for the education of African children around the world. This is our why - the reason we are doing this."

At the heart of Onakoya's mission lies "Chess in Slums Africa," a charity he established in 2018 with the noble ambition of providing education to one million children residing in slum communities across the continent.

The battle for the record unfolded in accordance with the stringent guidelines of the Guinness World Record, with Onakoya facing off against Shawn Martinez, a formidable US chess champion. Fueled by the flavors of Nigerian jollof rice, energized by the pulsating rhythms of Afrobeats music, and buoyed by messages of encouragement from every corner of the globe, Onakoya emerged victorious in every game against Martinez. His valiant effort garnered support from luminaries such as Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Davido and singer Adekunle Gold, who joined the throngs cheering him on amidst the bustling streets of Manhattan.

Amidst the sea of accolades, Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu added his voice to the chorus of congratulations, hailing Onakoya for "setting a new world chess record and sounding the gong of Nigeria’s resilience, self-belief, and ingenuity at the square of global acclaim." Tinubu commended Onakoya's remarkable feat, not only for its technical brilliance but also for the noble cause that propelled it forward—raising funds to provide African children with opportunities to learn and thrive through the game of chess.

The spectacle captivated audiences across Nigeria, with the match broadcasted in multiple locations throughout Lagos, the bustling metropolis and heartbeat of the nation. Watch parties and digital billboards illuminated the cityscape, underscoring the significance of Onakoya's triumph and the enduring spirit of hope and determination it represents.