Nigeria’s Tunde Onakoya sets new chess marathon record, pushes to surpass target
Nigerian chess master, Tunde Onakoya, has set a new Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon.
He has surpassed the previous record of 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds set by Norwegians Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad in 2018.
Onakoya, along with US chess master Shawn Martinez, played non-stop for over 58 hours in Times Square, New York City. The attempt aimed to raise $1 million for children’s education across Africa through his foundation Chess in Slums Africa.
Under the beaming lights of New York’s iconic Times Square, Onakoya set the new record.
After playing for 58 consecutive hours, he was still at the board.
The chestmaster confirmed this in a post on his official X account.
He wrote, “We have done it.
“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.
“Let’s demonstrate to the world the incredible power of love. Together, we can make this happen.
Onakoya broke the record of Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad, who played for 56-hour, 9-minute in 2018 and aimed at reaching 58 hours target.
READ ALSO: GUINNESS WORLD RECORD: Nigerian plans 58-hour chess marathon at Times Square
The new record holder said his attempt was to raise funds and awareness for providing educational opportunities to underprivileged children across Africa.
Meanwhile, Nigerians, including President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Singer Davido, and Adekunle Gold, have all shown support for Onakoya to break the new record.
