Nigerian chess master, Tunde Onakoya has broken the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon surpassing the previous world record set at 56 hours, 9 minutes and 37 seconds by Norwegians Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad in 2018.
Onakoya surpassed this record at 7:39pm EST (12:39am WAT) clocking 56 minutes, 10 minutes, since the chess marathon began at 11:30am EST (4:30pm WAT) on Wednesday April 17, 2024
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, who teamed up with US chess master, Shawn Martinez is still going and wants to set a new world record of 58 hours unbeaten, which he says will be extended to 60 hours to accommodate all interruptions.
They have been playing chess non-stop in Times Square in New York City for over 56 hours, much to the attention and support of Nigerians and other New Yorkers. Onakoya is yet to lose after more than 200 games played.
Onakoya is using the Guinness world record attempt as an avenue to raise $1 million to support children in underprivileged communities across Africa with access to education.
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.
In a statement by his foundation, Chess in Slums Africa, Onakoya said he will be joined by his US counterpart, Shawn Martinez.
It read in part, “This record attempt requires a team of two players. Tunde Onakoya (NG) will be 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,” it added.
After about 23 hours into the game, Martinez joined to make the new world record.
FIDE commends Onakoya on GWR chess feat
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) on Saturday commended Nigeria’s Tunde Onakoya for setting a new Guinness World Record (GWR) for the longest chess marathon.
BRANDPOWER reports that Onakoya played with an Amercian chess champion, Shawn Martinez, for 58 hours continuously without losing a game at the New York City’s Times Square, USA.
By this, he cancelled the 2018 record of 56 hours, 9 minutes and 37 seconds, set by Norwegians Hallvard Haug Flatebo and Sjur Ferkingstad.
FIDE Vice-President, Olalekan Adeyemi, told NAN in Ibadan that Onakoya, 29, had been consistent over the years with his support for chess and the Nigerian kids on the streets.
“I’m not surprised about this feat because he’s very committed to what he’s doing.
“When he started Chess in the Slum, I was part of the movement, and he’s shown tremendous commitment over the years to the course of taking children off the streets with chess,” he said.
Describing his passion as laudable, Adeyemi says FIDE congratulates him because “This is a milestone that has been achieved in chess, and not just in Nigeria but globally.
“He has brought awareness for chess to a high level; people are donating to the course, and this, of course, will bring about a turnaround for chess,” he said.
He added that the feat will undoubtedly give hope and a brighter future to young ones in Nigeria and the African child in general.
“Prior to this, he had used chess to take kids off the streets in Oshodi in Lagos and Mokola in Ibadan.
“I’m sure with more resources at his disposal, he is going to do much more.
“Many street kids across Nigeria will benefit from this project of giving them a better life, which is the goal of Chess in Slums Africa.
“It is a win-win for all of us, as Nigerian kids are the sole beneficiaries,” he said.
BRANDPOWER reports that apart from setting a new record, he attempted to use the opportunity to raise $1 million for the education of African children across the world.
The world, however, awaits official statement from GWR over the record-breaking feat.
