In a remarkable display of endurance and skill, Nigerian chess master, Tunde Onakoya, has shattered the world record for the longest chess marathon.
The event took place under the vibrant lights of Times Square in New York, where Onakoya played chess continuously for 58 hours. This feat surpassed the previous record of 56 hours, nine minutes, and 37 seconds set by Norwegian duo Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad in 2018.
The marathon was not just a test of stamina but also a charitable effort. Onakoya aimed to raise $1 million for his initiative, Chess in Slums Africa. The funds are intended to support chess education and enrich the lives of millions of children facing poverty.
“This initiative will help us distribute one million chess sets to underserved communities by 2030,” Onakoya said, reflecting on his dual role as a board member of the US non-profit ‘The Gift of Chess’.
Support poured in both locally and internationally. In Times Square, hundreds from New York’s Nigerian community, including Afrobeats star Davido, rallied to support Onakoya, energising him with music and traditional Nigerian dishes like jollof rice.
Meanwhile, the event was streamed live on Twitch, where viewers from Nigeria and around the world watched and cheered him on. Enthusiastic messages flooded the streaming platform, with one viewer writing, “Thank you for daring to dream and showing us the levels to which we can all take our brain power to! Well done Tunde! I’m going to pick up my chess board back haha.”
Prominent figures also voiced their encouragement. Nigeria’s Vice-President Kashim Shettima praised Onakoya on social media platform X, stating, “Mr. Onakoya is a symbol of excellence and resilience that distinguish Nigerians both at home and abroad… Go, make history, and inscribe our name in gold.” Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, added, “Lagos is rooting for you. Your attempt is a powerful testament to how greatness can emerge from anywhere.”
Tunde Onakoya credits chess with transforming his life, rescuing him from the hardships of growing up in Lagos’s infamous floating slums. His dedication to chess education reflects his belief in the game’s power to change lives. As he breaks records and barriers, Onakoya continues to be an inspiration, demonstrating the profound impact of resilience and strategic thinking.
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