Nigerian Chess Master Tunde Onakoya Breaks World Record for Longest Chess Marathon

Tunde Onakoya breaks world record for longest chess marathon. (Photo Credit: Tunde Onakoya/X)

BREAKING Nigerian Chess Master Tunde Onakoya Breaks World Record for Longest Chess Marathon

Izuchukwu Akawor 02:44 - 20.04.2024

Tunde Onakoya has broken the world record for the longest continuous chess marathon, playing for 58 hours straight without a single loss in a bid to raise $1 million to have a transformative impact on the lives of children in Nigeria.

In an incredible feat of endurance and dedication, Nigerian chess master Tunde Onakoya has broken the world record for the longest continuous chess marathon.

Onakoya spent an astonishing 58 hours playing chess non-stop in the heart of New York City's Times Square, shattering the previous record.

Onakoya breaks world record

The 30-year-old grandmaster, who is currently ranked 25,863rd in the world by the International Chess Federation, played 58 hours non-stop during his marathon session without a single loss and is looking to extend that record further.

"WE HAVE DONE IT," Onakoya said in a post on X. "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. "

Tunde Onakoya focused on his goal in New York.
Tunde Onakoya focused on his goal in New York.

Onakoya's remarkable achievement is made all the more impressive by the fact that he was attempting to raise $1 million through the world record attempt, with the funds set to have a transformative impact on the lives of countless children in Nigeria.

The young Nigerian has gained a reputation for his philanthropic work, particularly his efforts to provide underprivileged children with access to the game of chess.

Tunde Onakoya is reaching lives with Chess in Slums
Tunde Onakoya is reaching lives with Chess in Slums || Image credit: X/ @Tunde Onakoya

Tunde is famous for his philanthropy, particularly, using chess to provide opportunities for young people in the 'slums' of the country.

Despite his relatively low world ranking, Onakoya's dedication and commitment to using chess as a force for good has earned him widespread admiration and respect within the global chess community.

Onakoya is looking to raise $1 million for kids in Africa.
Onakoya is looking to raise $1 million for kids in Africa.

He is also the 24th-best player in Nigeria, but his impact extends far beyond the chessboard. Onakoya has become a true inspiration to young people across our country.

With the world record now firmly in his grasp, Onakoya will be hoping that his remarkable achievement will help him reach his ambitious $1 million fundraising target, which he believes will have a profound and lasting impact on the lives of underprivileged children in Nigeria.

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