Nigerian chess champion and child education advocate, Tunde Onakoya, recently attempted to break the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon by playing nonstop for 58 hours in New York City’s Times Square. His goal is to raise $1 million for children’s education across Africa through this record-breaking attempt. Onakoya surpassed the current record of 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds, achieved in 2018 by two Norwegian players. Despite reaching the 58-hour mark, the Guinness World Record organization has yet to confirm Onakoya’s new record.
In accordance with Guinness World Record guidelines, Onakoya played against American chess champion Shawn Martinez for the entire duration of the attempt. Online and on-site support was evident, with a blend of African music keeping onlookers entertained. Onakoya, who founded Chess in Slums Africa in 2018, hopes to support the education of at least 1 million children in African slums through this record-breaking initiative. Despite the grueling hours of play, Onakoya’s energy remained high, fueled by the support of his followers and his favorite dish, jollof rice.
For every hour of gameplay, Onakoya and Martinez were only allowed a five-minute break, which sometimes were grouped together. These breaks were a chance for Onakoya to interact with supporters and recharge for the intense gameplay. Within the first 20 hours of the attempt, $22,000 was raised, showcasing the overwhelming support from Nigerians in the US, global leaders, celebrities, and passersby. Onakoya’s dedication to educating children in Africa, where more than 10 million are out of school, has garnered public support, including messages from Nigeria’s former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
In Nigeria, where Onakoya regularly organizes chess competitions for young people living on the streets, his record attempt was closely followed. The country has one of the world’s highest rates of children out of school. Public figures, including Osinbajo, have openly shown their support for Onakoya’s mission. Osinbajo, in particular, reminded Onakoya of his own powerful words that “It is possible to do great things from a small place.” The event in Times Square showcased Onakoya’s commitment to improving access to education for children across Africa, emphasizing the importance of advocating for their futures through initiatives like Chess in Slums Africa.
