Nigerian chess champion, coach and founder of ‘Chess In Slums Africa’, Tunde Onakoya, has set out on an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon without a loss.
The attempt commenced at 10am in the heart of Times Square New York City from today, Wednesday April 17, 2024.
Tunde Onakoya aims to break the current record of 56 hours, 9 minutes and 37 seconds held by Norwegians Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad on November 11, 2018. He is determined to set a new world record of 58 hours.
Earlier, on April 12, the chess master revealed his GWR intention via his social media handles, stating that he was attempting the record “for the dreams of millions of children across Africa without access to education.”
“This is by far one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do, but one thing I know for sure I will not be alone through it all, ” he noted. “Need everyone’s support now more than ever to raise awareness and support for the incredible work we do @chessinslums and @thegiftofchess.”
In 2018, Tunde Onakoya established Chess in Slums Africa , a non-profit organization that uses the game of chess to provide indigent children with opportunities for prosperity and success in society.
Emerging from an underprivileged background, Tunde discovered chess as his only means out of poverty against all odds. His personal story makes him committed to the vision of creating a world where the game of chess is the ultimate messiah for economically and socially disadvantaged children.