Nigerian Chess Champion Tunde Onakoya Breaks Record for Longest Chess Marathon in Times Square

Nigerian chess champion Tunde Onakoya breaks world record with 60-hour chess marathon in Times Square

Nigerian chess champion and child education advocate Tunde Onakoya has made headlines around the world after breaking the record for the longest chess marathon. Onakoya played for an incredible 60 hours nonstop under the bright lights of New York City’s Times Square, surpassing the previous record set in 2018.

The Guinness World Record organization has yet to confirm Onakoya’s attempt, but for many Nigerians, the 29-year-old is already considered a national hero. Onakoya’s goal is to raise $1 million for a charity supporting education for children across Africa.

Onakoya announced his intention to play for longer on social media, stating, “We’re pushing to 60 hours, guys. We’re not stopping yet. Let’s keep going. We have a fundraising goal to meet for the education of African children around the world. This is our why – the reason we are doing this.”

Playing against US chess champion Shawn Martinez, Onakoya won every game, fueled by Nigerian jollof rice, Afrobeats music, and messages of support from around the globe. Among those cheering him on were Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Davido and singer Adekunle Gold.

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu congratulated Onakoya online, praising him for “setting a new world chess record and sounding the gong of Nigeria’s resilience, self-belief, and ingenuity at the square of global acclaim.”

Onakoya’s charity, Chess in Slums Africa, aims to educate 1 million children in underprivileged communities across the continent. This is not the first time Onakoya has made waves in the chess world, as he previously showcased his skills at the Digital–Life – Design conference in Berlin earlier this year.

With his remarkable achievement, Onakoya continues to inspire and make a difference in the world of chess and child education.