Nigerian chess expert Tunde Onakoya sets Guinness World Record for longest marathon game

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

Onakoya acknowledged the achievement in a post on his official X account, indicating his desire to break the record in 60 hours.

In his tweet, Onakoya stated, “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 broke 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 in New York City’s renowned Times Square, has already lasted 56 hours and a few minutes, cementing Onakoya’s status as the new record holder.

The new record holder noted that the chess marathon is a forum for raising finances and awareness for offering educational opportunities to disadvantaged children across Africa, a cause supported by Onakoya’s nonprofit, Chess in Slums Africa.

According to the foundation, the event will include a two-player team, with Onakoya accompanied by his US counterpart, Shawn Martinez, a US National Master and well-known New York City chess figure 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, including President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and musicians Davido and Adekunle Gold, have shown their support for Onakoya’s record-breaking effort.