Nigerian Chess Champion Breaks Guinness World Record with 60-Hour Chess Marathon in Times Square

Nigerian Chess Champion Breaks Guinness World Record with 60-Hour Marathon in Times Square

NEW YORK (AP) — Tunde Onakoya, a Nigerian chess champion and child education advocate, made history in New York City’s Times Square by playing chess nonstop for 60 hours to break the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon. The 29-year-old set out to raise $1 million for children’s education across Africa through this record-breaking attempt.

Onakoya exceeded his initial goal of playing for 58 hours and continued until he reached the 60-hour mark, surpassing the previous record of 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds set in 2018. The Guinness World Record organization has yet to publicly comment on Onakoya’s achievement, as it typically takes weeks to confirm new records.

Playing against American chess champion Shawn Martinez, Onakoya received support from online viewers and onlookers in Times Square, where African music and cheers kept the atmosphere lively. Nigerian music star Davido was among the supporters cheering Onakoya on during the marathon.

The record attempt was not just about breaking records but also about raising awareness for children’s education in Africa. Onakoya, who founded Chess in Slums Africa in 2018, aims to support the education of at least 1 million children living in slums across the continent.

With a menu consisting of water and jollof rice, a popular West African dish, Onakoya and Martinez took only five minutes of break for every hour of gameplay. Despite the grueling challenge, Onakoya’s energy remained high, fueled by the support of his fans and the rhythm of the music.

Within the first 20 hours of the attempt, $22,000 was raised to support Onakoya’s cause. The overwhelming support from Nigerians in the U.S., global leaders, celebrities, and passersby highlighted the importance of education for disadvantaged children in Nigeria, where more than 10 million school-age children are out of school.

Public figures, including Nigeria’s former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, have shown their support for Onakoya’s mission to make a difference in the lives of African children. As the chess champion continues to inspire others with his dedication and passion, his record-breaking feat serves as a reminder that great things can be achieved from humble beginnings.