Nigerian Chess Champion Breaks Guinness World Record with 58-Hour Marathon in Times Square

Nigerian Chess Champion Breaks Guinness World Record with 58-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 58 hours to break the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon.

Onakoya, 29, embarked on this record attempt with the goal of raising $1 million for children’s education across Africa. The marathon began on Wednesday and culminated in the early hours of Saturday when he surpassed the previous record of 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds set in 2018.

Playing against American chess champion Shawn Martinez, Onakoya’s attempt was closely followed by supporters both online and at the scene. The atmosphere was filled with cheers, applause, and African music, creating a vibrant backdrop for this monumental feat.

The record-breaking endeavor is not just about chess but also about supporting the dreams of millions of children in Africa who lack access to education. Onakoya, who founded Chess in Slums Africa in 2018, aims to provide educational opportunities for at least 1 million children living in slums across the continent.

Throughout the marathon, Onakoya sustained his energy with water and jollof rice, a popular West African dish. Despite the grueling challenge of continuous play with only five minutes of break per hour, he remained determined and motivated by the overwhelming support from Nigerians in the U.S., global leaders, celebrities, and passersby.

The success of Onakoya’s record attempt highlights the power of determination and community support in making a positive impact on education and children’s lives. As the Guinness World Record organization reviews and confirms this achievement, Onakoya’s inspiring journey serves as a beacon of hope for the future of education in Africa.

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This engaging news story captures the remarkable achievement of Tunde Onakoya and emphasizes the importance of supporting children’s education in Africa. The narrative highlights the dedication, resilience, and community spirit that fueled Onakoya’s record-breaking chess marathon, resonating with readers who value education and empowerment for young people.