Nigerian chess master Tunde Onakoya has his eyes set on shattering the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon. His drive? To uplift the aspirations of countless African children who are deprived of educational opportunities.
Onakoya is gearing up for an uninterrupted 58-hour chess showdown, aiming to emerge victorious without a single defeat.
The showdown is scheduled to take place from 10 a.m. on April 17 to 8 p.m. on April 19 in the iconic Times Square of New York City.
In a recent tweet, Onakoya announced, “On April 17, 2024, I will strive to break the Guinness World record for the longest chess marathon in the heart of Times Square, New York City, playing for 58 hours straight without conceding a game. This endeavor is dedicated to the dreams of millions of children across Africa who lack educational opportunities.”
Tunde Onakoya is fueled by a desire to inspire hope among numerous African children.
Onakoya’s dedication goes beyond the chessboard. As the founder of Chess in Slums Africa, he works tirelessly to unlock the potential of underprivileged children through mentorship and chess education.
“We understood the pain of hunger. We understood the pain of not having access, and that’s the real tragedy of poverty. It’s not just about lacking money; it’s about lacking access; you’re completely cut off from systems—education, the rule of law, everything. I believe that instilled in me this empathy for people who have undergone similar experiences to mine, allowing me to comprehend their struggles through a different lens,” Onakoya shared in an interview with Channels Television’s The Morning Brief.
“Much of it is deeply rooted in empathy and compassion, which is why I believe I have the capacity to pursue what I do with such passion, without giving up even when faced with challenges. I am aware that I want to become the person I needed when I was young for someone else. That’s where the passion truly originates from.”
The current Guinness World Record stands at 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds, achieved by Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad of Norway on November 11, 2018.
