Tunde Onakoya sets new world record for chess marathon

Nigeria’s Tunde Onakoya has set a new world record for the longest time to continuously play chess.

“We have done it,” Onakoya’s X account announced earlier on Saturday. “We’re pushing to 60 hours, guys. We’re not stopping yet. Let’s keep going.

Apart from setting the new record, Onakoya is also using the opportunity to raise funds for the “education of African children around the world.”

His new record would be ratified later by the Guinness World Record.

The former record was set in 2018 by Norwegians Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad, who played for 56 hours, and 9 minutes.

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Onakoya faced off against Shawn Martinez of the United States for the challenge. Both players hold the title of national masters.

If ratified, Onakoya and the New York chess legend will both be recognised for setting a new world record.

Onakoya embarked on this challenge to raise $1 million to support underprivileged children worldwide through his foundation, “Chess in Slums Africa.”

He started Chess in Slums in September 2018 in Ikorodu.

READ ALSO: Tunde Onakoya: Raising Kings and Queens Through Chess in Slum

He said his foundation wanted to give children “access to education so they can get to understand and know their own potential, because that’s the greatest gift you can ever give to anyone.”

“We’ve been able to raise 100,000 dollars so far,” he said.

“Chess in Slums Africa” has already transformed countless lives in disadvantaged communities within Nigeria, offering educational opportunities for young people in Oshodi, Makoko, and other underserved areas.

Funds raised through this record-breaking marathon will now fuel a global expansion of this impactful program.

As of Saturday morning, Onakoya has garnered nearly $100,000 in donations.

“It’s a hurdle,” he said. “We are not giving up yet,” Onakoya said, insisting on his drive to raise more funds for Chess in Slums Africa’s projects