29 Year-Old Chess Master Remains undefeated for over 58 hours in NYC Marathon
Tunde Onakoya, a Nigerian CHess Master, shattered the world record for the lengthiest chess marathon by remaining undefeated for over 58 hours in Times Square, New York City
In the heart of New York City’s bustling Times Square, a remarkable feat is underway. Tunde Onakoya, a 29-year-old Nigerian chess champion and passionate advocate for children’s education, has embarked on an ambitious journey to break the global record for the longest chess marathon. His mission? To play nonstop for a staggering 58 hours straight.
The current record for the longest chess marathon stood at 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds, set in 2018 by Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad, hailing from Norway.
Motivation for Education
For Onakoya, who founded Chess in Slums Africa in 2018, this marathon isn’t just about achieving a personal milestone; it’s about making a tangible difference in the lives of children across Africa. With a goal of raising $1 million for educational initiatives, his endeavor transcends the boundaries of the chessboard.
Born and raised in Nigeria, he understands firsthand the transformative power of learning and the opportunities it can unlock for individuals and communities. Through his marathon endeavor, Onakoya seeks to channel this passion into meaningful action, he hopes to inspire others to join him in his mission, rallying behind a cause that transcends borders and unites people from all walks of life.
To tackle the challenge, Onakoya has teamed up with Shawn Martinez, a renowned chess master on a national level, who holds the distinction of having coached Tanitoluwa Adewumi, a young boy residing in a New York City homeless shelter, who defied odds to ascend to the rank of chess master. Together, they are bound by the rigorous guidelines set forth by Guinness World Records, requiring two players to engage in continuous play for the duration of the attempt.
As the hours pass, Onakoya’s stamina and focus are put to the test. With each move, he navigates the complexities of the game with precision and strategic acumen. By the time the clock strikes 10:00 a.m. GMT on Friday, he has already spent an impressive 42 hours at the board, inching closer to his ambitious goal with unwavering determination.
For each hour of gameplay, Onakoya and his opponent are allotted only five minutes of rest. These brief respites are occasionally clustered together, during which Onakoya seizes the opportunity to interact with the cheering Nigerians and New Yorkers, often joining in their celebratory dances.
But beyond the sheer endurance required to sustain such a feat, Onakoya’s marathon is fueled by a deeper purpose – “I’m playing for the dreams of millions of children globally without access to education,” proclaimed a heartfelt message from Onakoya, displayed on a sandwich poster near the tables arranged for his marathon chess game.
New World Record
The atmosphere in Times Square is electric, as spectators gather to witness history in the making. The vibrant sounds of African music fill the air, infusing the scene with energy and excitement. Cheers and applause erupt with each strategic maneuver, as Onakoya and Martinez captivate the crowd with their skill and determination.
After breaking the record an exhausted but cheerful Onakoya told AFP, “I can’t process a lot of the emotions I feel right now. I don’t have the right words for them. But I know we did something truly remarkable,… 3 am last night, that was the moment I was ready to just give it all up… but Nigerians traveled from all over the world. And they were with me overnight. We were singing together and they were dancing together and I couldn’t just give up on them.”
But amidst the fanfare and celebration, there is a profound sense of purpose driving Onakoya forward. With every hour that passes, he draws closer to his fundraising goal, knowing that each dollar raised will make a tangible difference in the lives of children who deserve access to quality education.
