Nigeria’s chess champion, Tunde Onakoya, recently broke the Guinness World Record for the longest marathon chess session, raising over $130,000 with the support of 1,500 donors who contributed an average of $80 each. His foundation, Chess in Slums Africa, played a pivotal role, making memorable moments where donors received signed boards from Onakoya and his partners.
Among these, 50 boards signed by Russ and Tunde were offered for $5,000 each, while 50 boards signed by Pushing Pawns Sync and Tunde were priced at $1,000 each.
Onakoya’s remarkable achievement surpassed his initial goal of raising $1 million for charity to support education across Africa. He beat the previous record of 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds, set in 2018 by Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad. Onakoya’s marathon chess session lasted for an impressive 60 hours straight at Time Square in New York.
In a statement from his foundation, Chess in Slums Africa, Onakoya shared his journey, noting the arrival of chess legend Shawn Martinez, who joined him 23 hours into the game, further enhancing the event’s significance.
“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.