Nigerian Chess Champion Breaks Guinness World Record with 60-Hour Marathon in Times Square
Nigerian Chess Champion Plays Nonstop for 60 Hours to Break Guinness World Record
NEW YORK – Tunde Onakoya, a Nigerian chess champion and child education advocate, made history by playing chess nonstop for 60 hours in New York City’s Times Square. His goal was to break the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon and raise $1 million for children’s education across Africa.
Onakoya, 29, initially aimed to play for 58 hours but pushed himself to reach 60 hours, surpassing the previous record of 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds. He played against American chess champion Shawn Martinez, following Guinness World Record guidelines that require two players to play continuously for the entire duration.
Support for Onakoya’s record attempt grew both online and at the scene, with African music keeping onlookers entertained. Among the supporters was Nigerian music star Davido. Onakoya’s organization, Chess in Slums Africa, aims to support the education of at least 1 million children in slums across the continent.
For every hour of gameplay, Onakoya and Martinez only had five minutes of break time, which they used to interact with supporters and catch up with cheering fans. The attempt raised $22,000 within the first 20 hours, showcasing the overwhelming support from Nigerians in the U.S., global leaders, celebrities, and passersby.
Onakoya’s record-breaking feat was closely followed in Nigeria, where he organizes chess competitions for young people living on the streets. With over 10 million school-age children out of school in Nigeria, Onakoya’s efforts to promote education are crucial.
Celebrities and public figures, including Nigeria’s former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, have publicly supported Onakoya’s mission. Osinbajo wrote to Onakoya, reminding him of his own powerful words: “It is possible to do great things from a small place.”
The Guinness World Record organization is yet to confirm Onakoya’s new record, but his determination and commitment to improving children’s education in Africa have already made a significant impact.