Nigerian Chess Champion Tunde Onakoya Breaks Chess Marathon Record, Aims for 70-Hour Challenge in Times Square
Nigerian Chess Champion Tunde Onakoya Breaks World Record in Times Square
Nigerian chess champion and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, has made history by breaking the chess marathon record previously held by two Norwegian players. Onakoya, along with his chess partner Shawn Martinez, embarked on a four-day non-stop gameplay in Times Square, New York, with the goal of completing a 70-hour chess marathon.
The duo started their marathon on April 17 and surpassed the previous record of 61 hours, 3 minutes, and 34 seconds set by the Norwegian players in June 2024. While the official confirmation from Guinness World Records is still pending, Nigerians and chess enthusiasts worldwide have already congratulated Onakoya on his remarkable achievement.
In a post shared on social media, Onakoya expressed his fulfillment and emphasized the importance of educating and creating opportunities for street children in Nigeria. He stated, “We’re not just doing this for ourselves—we’re doing it for a million dreams. We want to build the biggest preschool in Africa for homeless children.”
The 30-year-old chess master, who gained global recognition for completing a 60-hour chess marathon in April 2024, highlighted that his current attempt was not solely about breaking records. He shared his dream of inspiring the world and raising support to establish the largest free school for homeless children in Nigeria.
As Onakoya and Martinez continue their marathon towards the 70-hour finish line, support and encouragement pour in from online spectators and onsite visitors in Times Square. The event has become a symbol of social transformation and a testament to the power of determination and perseverance.
“It’s not just about the hours,” Onakoya reiterated. “It’s about what you do with them.” With all eyes on the chess champions as they push towards their goal, the world eagerly awaits the outcome of this extraordinary feat in Times Square.