Nigerian chess champion Tunde Onakoya has set a new record for the longest chess marathon in the famous Times Square of New York City, illuminated by bright lights.
He remained at the board even after playing for 58 straight hours. Onakoya aims to raise $1 million for charity to aid in providing chess education for numerous children around the world.
“Many fans from the Nigerian community in the city have arrived to support the chess champion, among them Nigerian music sensation Davido.”
“They offered musical entertainment and revitalized him with traditional Nigerian meals, such as the popular dish jollof rice.”
In Nigeria, individuals showed their backing for Onakoya as they witnessed him breaking the record on Twitch, a platform for streaming videos.
Messages praising Onakoya as an inspiration were left by supporters on the stream. One commenter expressed gratitude for daring to dream and showcasing the potential of our brain power.
The commenter praised Tunde for his achievement and humorously mentioned picking up their chess board again.
Nigeria’s once Vice President Kashim Shettima expressed that Mr. Onakoya represents the qualities of excellence and perseverance that set Nigerians apart both domestically and internationally.
Shettima encouraged Onakoya to go forward and create a lasting legacy by achieving great things and bringing honor to the country."Lagos is supporting you," remarked Lagos state governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to Onakoya, stating that his effort serves as a strong example of how greatness can come from any place.
The previous world record of 56 hours, nine minutes, and 37 seconds, set by Norwegian duo Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad in 2018, was officially acknowledged by Guinness World Records.
At the age of 29, Onakoya attributes chess to being the reason he was able to escape the severe poverty he experienced while growing up in the well-known floating slums of Lagos.
He runs a non-profit organization called Chess in Slums Africa, which educates children in impoverished areas on how to play chess and also supports their academic endeavors.
Onakoya serves as a board member of The Gift of Chess, a non-profit organization based in the US. The organization’s goal is to use chess to positively impact lives and aims to provide one million chess sets to underprivileged communities by 2030.
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