Tunde Onakoya sets new Guinness World Record with 58-hour chess marathon

Nigerian chess master, Tunde Onakoya, on Saturday, set a new Guinness World Record for the longest marathon chess game.

Onakoya confirmed this achievement in a post on his official X account, expressing his determination to push the record to 60 hours.

In his post, Onakoya said, “We have done it.

“We’re pushing to 60 hours guys. We’re not stopping yet. Let’s keep going.

“We have a fundraising goal to meet for the education of African children around the world. This is our why – the reason we are doing this.

“Let’s demonstrate to the world the incredible power of love. Together, we can make this happen.”

Onakoya surpassed the previous record set by Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad, who played for 56 hours and 9 minutes in 2018.

The current challenge, taking place at New York City’s iconic Times Square, has already exceeded 56 hours and a few minutes, firmly establishing Onakoya as the new record holder.

The new record holder stated that the chess marathon serves as a platform to raise funds and awareness for providing educational opportunities to underprivileged children across Africa, a cause championed by Onakoya’s foundation, Chess in Slums Africa.

In a statement issued by the foundation, the event features a team of two players, with Onakoya being joined by his US counterpart, Shawn Martinez, a US National Master and renowned New York City chess legend and coach.

“This record attempt requires a team of two players. Tunde Onakoya (NG) facing off against Shawn Martinez (US) for the challenge. Both players hold the title of National Masters.

“Shawn Martinez, a US National Master, renowned New York City chess legend, and chess coach, poses as a formidable adversary. Both Tunde Onakoya and Shawn Martinez will hold the record title.

“This record is for the longest time to continuously play chess. This record is to be mentioned in hours, minutes, and seconds. This record is to be attempted by a team of two players,” The statement reads in part.

Notable figures such as President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and musicians Davido and Adekunle Gold have shown their support for Onakoya’s record-breaking endeavour.