In a remarkable display of endurance and determination, Nigerian chess champion Tunde Onakoya has etched his name in the history books by setting a new world record for the longest chess marathon.
The 29-year-old grandmaster played an uninterrupted game for a staggering 60 hours in New York City’s iconic Times Square, surpassing the previous record of 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds.
Onakoya’s extraordinary feat was more than just a personal achievement; it was a mission to raise $1 million for underprivileged children’s education across Africa through his Chess in Slums Africa initiative. With each move on the chessboard, he aimed to open doors to brighter futures for countless young minds.
The marathon session commenced on Wednesday, with Onakoya pitting his skills against American chess champion Shawn Martinez, adhering to the Guinness World Records guidelines that require two players to participate continuously throughout the attempt.
As the hours ticked by, Onakoya’s unwavering focus and stamina were tested to the limit. For every hour of play, the duo was granted only a five-minute break, which Onakoya often used to connect with the enthusiastic crowd of Nigerians and New Yorkers cheering him on.
“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 told AFP news agency after his triumphant achievement.
Despite facing moments of doubt and exhaustion, particularly around 3 am when he considered giving up, Onakoya found inspiration in the unwavering support of his countrymen who had traveled from far and wide to witness his historic endeavor.
“[At] 3am last night, that was the moment I was ready to just give it all up… but Nigerians travelled from all over the world. And they were with me overnight,” he recounted. “We were singing together and they were dancing together and I couldn’t just give up on them.”
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, in a statement, hailed Onakoya’s feat as a testament to the resilience, self-belief, and ingenuity of Nigeria’s youth. “Tunde has shown a streak customary among Nigeria’s youth population, the audacity to make good change happen; to propel innovations and solutions to the nation’s challenges, even from corners of disadvantage,” Tinubu stated.
While the Guinness World Records organization has yet to officially confirm Onakoya’s record, his remarkable achievement has already inspired people worldwide, showcasing the power of determination and the potential for positive change when talent and opportunity converge.
