A Nigerian man named Tunde Onakoya recently set the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon after playing for nearly five days straight. Beginning his 60-hour chess game in Times Square in New York City, Onakoya eventually called it quits at 12:40 a.m. on Saturday, April 20. The previous record was 56 hours, 9 minutes and 37 seconds, set in 2018 by two Norwegian players. Although Guinness World Records has yet to confirm the record being broken, Onakoya played against American chess player Shawn Martinez and was supported by a crowd both online and in person during his attempt.
Among those following Onakoya’s record-breaking attempt was former Nigerian Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who posted a reminder for Onakoya to believe in his own words that “it is possible to do great things from a small place.” Onakoya’s main goal with this record attempt is to raise $1 million for children’s education in Africa. He has already managed to raise $22,000 on the first day of his marathon. Onakoya, the founder of Chess in Slums Africa, uses chess as a tool for socioeconomic transformation and has secured lifelong scholarships for over 200 children from indigent homes through his organization.
At the 24-hour mark of his marathon, Onakoya claimed to have his energy at 100%, thanks to the support from people following his attempt to set the record. There are numerous Guinness World Records related to chess games, chess pieces, and chess sets. The record for the largest chess piece is held by a 20-foot-tall king piece located at the World Chess Hall of Fame in Missouri. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the record for the smallest handmade chess set was achieved by Ara Davidi Ghazaryan of Los Angeles, whose set pieces are only 1-2.4mm tall. Moreover, the record for the most moves in a chess game stands at 269 moves, played by two chess masters from Yugoslavia in 1989, taking 20 hours and 15 minutes to end in a draw.
Onakoya’s chess marathon has captured the attention of many, including Nigerians in the U.S., global leaders, and celebrities. He received overwhelming support from hundreds of passersby and online spectators throughout his attempt to set the Guinness World Record. His passion for expanding educational opportunities for underprivileged children in Africa is evident in his work through Chess in Slums Africa. By using chess as a tool for socioeconomic transformation, the organization has successfully secured scholarships for numerous children living in extreme poverty. Onakoya’s determination to break the record and raise funds for children’s education showcases his commitment to making a positive impact on his community.
Setting a Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon is no easy feat, as Tunde Onakoya played non-stop for nearly five days in Times Square, New York City. With the support of a dedicated crowd, both in-person and online, Onakoya was able to push through and achieve his goal. The fundraising aspect of his record attempt, aiming to raise $1 million for children’s education in Africa, highlights his commitment to making a difference in the lives of underprivileged children. Through his organization, Chess in Slums Africa, Onakoya has already made a significant impact by securing scholarships for hundreds of children from indigent backgrounds.
The attention to detail in the various chess-related Guinness World Records, such as the largest and smallest chess pieces and the record for the most moves in a chess game, showcases the diverse achievements within the world of chess. Onakoya’s record-breaking attempt adds to the rich history of chess accomplishments and demonstrates the enduring popularity and impact of the game. His determination, combined with the support of his community and global supporters, has not only set a new record but also raised awareness for educational opportunities for disadvantaged children in Africa. Overall, Onakoya’s achievement is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and community support in making a positive difference in the world.
