Nigeria’s Onakoya breaks record for longest chess marathon
A Nigerian chess master, Tunde Onakoya, has set a new Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon after playing chess for 58 hours.
Onakoya on Saturday, April 20th, set the new record at Times Square in New York, USA.
According to the chess master, his decision to break the record is to raise funds and awareness for promoting educational opportunities for less privileged children in Africa.
Onakoya broke the record of Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flatebe and Sijur Ferkinstaad, who played 56 hours and 9 minutes in 2018.
Celebrating his 58 hours marathon, the new record holder posted on his official X page, “‘WE HAVE DONE IT”‘. Also, his win is currently the number one trending topic on X in Nigeria.
Overview: Tunde Onakoya, a 29-year-old Nigerian chess master and child education advocate, has achieved a remarkable feat by breaking the record for the longest chess marathon. He played nonstop for an extraordinary 60 hours in Times Square, New York City, surpassing the previous record of 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds set in 2018 by Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad.
Details of the Record Attempt
Onakoya began his marathon session on a Wednesday and aimed to play for 58 hours, but he continued until reaching the 60-hour mark early Saturday morning. His attempt was not only about breaking a record; it was also part of a fundraising effort to raise $1 million for his charity, Chess in Slums Africa, which aims to support education for children across Africa. During the event, Onakoya played against Shawn Martinez, a US chess champion, adhering to Guinness World Records guidelines that require two players to play continuously throughout the duration of the attempt.
The atmosphere during the marathon was vibrant and supportive. Hundreds of supporters from Nigeria and around the world gathered in Times Square to cheer him on. They provided him with traditional Nigerian food such as jollof rice and kept his spirits high with music and encouragement. Notable figures from Nigeria’s entertainment industry, including Afrobeats stars like Davido and Adekunle Gold, were present to show their support.
Challenges Faced During the Marathon
Despite his determination, Onakoya faced significant physical challenges during the marathon. Reports indicated that he experienced intense vomiting and stomach pain due to consuming coffee with milk—something he is intolerant to—alongside extreme fatigue. However, he remained resolute in his commitment to continue playing for “the dreams of millions of children.”
Throughout this grueling challenge, Onakoya utilized breaks effectively; they were allowed five-minute breaks every hour or could group them into longer breaks every six hours. This structure helped him manage his energy levels while still engaging with supporters who rallied around him.
Impact of Onakoya’s Achievement
Onakoya’s achievement has resonated deeply within Nigeria and beyond. He has become a symbol of resilience and hope for many young people facing educational challenges in underprivileged communities. His organization aims to educate one million children in slum areas across Africa using chess as a tool for critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
The event garnered significant media attention globally, being covered by major outlets like CNN and BBC. It highlighted not only Onakoya’s personal dedication but also brought awareness to the pressing issue of educational access for children in Africa.
In summary, Tunde Onakoya’s successful attempt at breaking the world record for the longest chess marathon stands as both an impressive athletic achievement and a powerful statement about using one’s talents for social good.
Writing by Amaka, Omolola Ameen; Editing by Adeniyi Bakare
