Nigerian chess master Tunde Onakoya has established a new Guinness World Record for the longest marathon chess game.
Tunde accomplished this milestone in the early hours of Saturday, April 20, 2024, by exceeding the 56-hour threshold.
The former record was 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds, set by Norwegians Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad on November 11, 2018.
Having set a new benchmark, the Nigerian chess virtuoso is determined to extend his playtime beyond 58 hours without a single defeat.
“We have done it,” Onakoya declared in a post on his X account, confirming he had met his goal.
Subsequently, in a follow-up tweet, the chess aficionado expressed his ambition to add an additional two hours to his record, aiming to solidify his dominance.
“We’re pushing past 60 hours, guys. We’re not stopping yet. Let’s keep going. We have a fundraising goal to achieve for the education of African children worldwide.
“This is our purpose – the reason we’re doing this. Let’s show the world the incredible power of love.
“Together, we can make this happen,” his post read.
The new record holder explained that the chess marathon acts as a platform to raise funds and awareness for educational opportunities for underprivileged children in Africa, a cause supported by Onakoya’s foundation, Chess in Slums Africa.
According to a statement from the foundation, the event showcases a team of two players, with Onakoya partnering with his US counterpart, Shawn Martinez, a US National Master and a well-known New York City chess legend and coach.
“The record attempt involves a team of two players. Tunde Onakoya (NG) will face off against Shawn Martinez (US) in the challenge. Both players are National Masters.
“Shawn Martinez, a US National Master, a celebrated New York City chess legend, and coach, stands as a formidable opponent. Both Tunde Onakoya and Shawn Martinez will share the record title.
“The record is for the longest continuous chess play. This record will be noted in hours, minutes, and seconds. The attempt is by a team of two players,” part of the statement said.
Prominent individuals like President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and musicians Davido and Adekunle Gold have expressed their support for Onakoya’s groundbreaking effort.
