Tunde Onakoya Sets Guinness World Record for Longest Chess Marathon

A Nigerian man named Tunde Onakoya has unofficially shattered the world record for the longest chess marathon.

He commenced this extraordinary feat just a few days ago on the streets of New York, enduring harsh and cold weather conditions during his gameplay.

At one juncture, Davido, along with his wife and entourage, arrived to show support and boost his morale.

Surpassing the previous record by a remarkable two hours, Tunde Onakoya clocked an impressive fifty-eight hours of uninterrupted chess play, leaving all contenders behind.

His mission in undertaking this marathon is to raise one million dollars, aiming to enhance access to chess education for children globally.

Tunde Onakoya’s passion for chess ignited during his childhood in Ikorodu when he stumbled upon a chessboard in a barber’s shop, instantly falling in love with the game.

With a chess journey spanning nineteen years since that serendipitous encounter in Ikorodu, he has since established a non-governmental organization called Chess In Slums Africa, dedicated to providing chess opportunities for children in slum areas.

Tunde Onakoya’s prowess in chess has garnered him numerous accolades, including an outstanding victory over ten opponents simultaneously in Germany, which elevated his profile even before embarking on the marathon.

If confirmed by the Guinness World Records, Tunde Onakoya will proudly stand as the first Nigerian to hold the title for the longest chess marathon.