The Nigerian chess master, Tunde Onakoya, has set a new Guinness World Record for the longest marathon chess on Saturday.
The chess master confirmed this in a post on his official X account.
President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Tony Elumelu, Ogun Gov. Dapo Abiodun, Singer Davido, Adekunle Gold, and other Nigerians lauded Onakoya’s feat and expressed support for him.
Tinubu simply wrote on X, “Checkmate the world Tunde Onakoya.”
Persecondnews quotes Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, expressing support for Onakoya in a post on X where he wrote: “Good luck on checkmating New York @Tunde_OD as you attempt to set the Guinness World Record for the longest Chess Marathon. Continue to serve as an inspiration especially to African youth! We are solidly behind you.”
Vice President Kashim Shettima also wrote: “We are not only proud of the ambition of the chess maverick, Tunde Onakoya, in his attempt to break the Guinness World record for playing chess for 58 hours without losing a game, but also of his humanitarian interventions and his representation of Nigeria on the global stage through this game of brilliant minds.
“Mr Onakoya is a symbol of excellence and resilience that distinguishes Nigerians both at home and abroad and we stand with him in spirit as he captivates the world from Times Square, New York City. Go, make history and inscribe our name in gold.”
Announcing the feat, Onakoya wrote, “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 record of Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad, who played for 56 hours and 9 minutes in 2018 and aimed at reaching the 58-hour target.
The challenge, which is underway at New York City’s iconic Times Square, has currently exceeded 56 hours and a few minutes and already set him adrift from the previous record holders.
The new record holder said his attempt was to raise funds and awareness for providing educational opportunities to underprivileged children across Africa.
In a statement by his foundation, Chess in Slums Africa, Onakoya said he will be joined by his U.S. counterpart, Shawn Martinez.
“This record attempt requires a team of two players. Tunde Onakoya (NG) will be 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,” it added.
After about 23 hours into the game, Martinez joined to make the new world record.
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