News
Tunde Onakoya sets new Guinness World Records after playing chess for 58 hours without losing a game
Nigerian chess master, Tunde Onakoya has set a new Guinness World Record for the longest marathon chess game.
Tunde achieved the feat in the early hours of Saturday, April 20, 2024, after surpassing the 56-hour mark.
The previous record stood at 56 hr 09 min 37 seconds. Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad, two Norwegians, set the record on November 11, 2018.
Despite setting a new record, the Nigerian chess expert aims to play beyond 58 hours without losing a single game.
“We have done it,” Onakoya said in a post on his X account to confirm reaching the target.
Meanwhile, in a follow-up tweet, the chess enthusiast announced his intention to push for an extra two hours as he seeks to further stamp his authority.
“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,” his post read.
The new record holder stated that the chess marathon serves as a platform to raise funds and awareness for providing educational opportunities to underprivileged children across Africa, a cause championed by Onakoya’s foundation, Chess in Slums Africa.
In a statement issued by the foundation, the event features a team of two players, with Onakoya being joined by his US counterpart, Shawn Martinez, a US National Master and renowned New York City chess legend and coach.
“This record attempt requires a team of two players. Tunde Onakoya (NG) facing off against Shawn Martinez (US) for the challenge. Both players hold the title of National Masters.
“Shawn Martinez, a US National Master, renowned New York City chess legend, and chess coach, poses as a formidable adversary. Both Tunde Onakoya and Shawn Martinez will hold the record title.
“This record is for the longest time to continuously play chess. This record is to be mentioned in hours, minutes, and seconds. This record is to be attempted by a team of two players,” The statement reads in part.
Notable figures such as President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and musicians Davido and Adekunle Gold have shown their support for Onakoya’s record-breaking endeavour.
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