Nigerian chess prodigy Tunde Onakoya surpassed the Guinness World Record for the longest continuous chess marathon, playing non-stop for a staggering 60 hours. The announcement of this record-breaking achievement was made on his X account, where he shared his excitement and pride over his accomplishment.
“We have done it,” exclaimed Onakoya, his determination evident as he rallied, “We’re pushing to 60 hours, guys. We’re not stopping yet. Let’s keep going. Our fundraising goal for educating African children drives us forward.”
Tunde Onakoya embarked on this remarkable chess marathon with the expert support of Shawn Martinez, a New York City chess luminary who joined Onakoya in his quest for the Guinness World Record. Both Onakoya and Martinez, National Masters in their own right, stood shoulder to shoulder, facing off in a game that tested not only their chess mastery, but also their physical and mental resilience. Together, the duo formed an unbeatable team, harnessing the synergy of their skills and passions to cement their place in the annals of chess history.
Throughout his epic chess marathon, Tunde Onakoya found himself buoyed by a chorus of voices cheering him on, including renowned Nigerian music icons Davido and Adekunle Gold. Joining this support was Omoyele Sowore, a Nigerian activist who, alongside these artists, became a staunch advocate for Onakoya’s ambitious journey.
Beyond the accomplishment of shattering a Guinness World Record, Tunde Onakoya’s chess marathon triumph serves as a powerful symbol of the transformative power of education. His relentless pursuit of this record has not only brought him personal glory, but it has also drawn attention to the importance of education and the need to support its growth.