Nigerian Shatters World Record in Epic Chess Marathon! Discover His Inspiring Mission
Nigerian chess champion Tunde Onakoya displayed a remarkable quality of endurance and determination as he shattered the world record for the longest chess marathon, playing unbeaten for over 60 hours in New York City's bustling Times Square. His mission? To raise $1 million for underprivileged children's education across Africa, a cause close to his heart. Onakoya, 29, embarked on his grueling session on Wednesday, initially aiming for 58 hours but pushing beyond to achieve an extraordinary milestone of 60 hours. Surpassing the previous record, he played relentlessly, with each move contributing to a larger cause—providing educational opportunities to millions of underprivileged children. “I can't process a lot of the emotions I feel right now. I don't have the right words for them. But I know we did something truly remarkable," Onakoya expressed to AFP news agency in a moment of heartfelt reflection. As the clock ticked past 3 am on a critical night, exhaustion threatened to overwhelm him. Yet, buoyed by the presence and support of fellow Nigerians who had traveled from around the world to stand by his side, Onakoya found renewed strength. Playing against American chess champion Shawn Martinez, in strict accordance with Guinness World Records guidelines, the duo engaged in continuous play with minimal breaks. For every hour of intense concentration over the board, they were allowed a mere five minutes of respite—a test of physical and mental endurance. Onakoya's dedication to empowering youth through chess is not new. In 2018, he launched the Chess in Slums project in Ikorodu, Nigeria, providing marginalized young people with an avenue to learn and excel in the game. Many of these youths, not in school and working to support their families, found solace and opportunity within this initiative. Nigeria, like many African nations, faces significant educational challenges, with over 10 million school-age children out of classrooms—an issue Onakoya is determined to address through his advocacy and fundraising efforts. Within the first 20 hours of his marathon, Onakoya had already raised an impressive $22,000. He received overwhelming support he received from Nigerians in the US, global leaders, celebrities, and compassionate passersby who were moved by his cause. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu praised Onakoya's accomplishment, highlighting how Onakoya exemplified the determination of Nigeria's youth to effect positive change, even in challenging circumstances.
