Tunde Onakoya Sets New World Chess Marathon Record

Nigerian chess champion Tunde Onakoya set a new world record on Saturday April 20 for the longest chess marathon, surpassing his initial 58-hour mark and hitting 60 hours eventually.

Onakoya broke the record of 56 hours, 9 minutes and 37 seconds held by Norwegians Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad on November 11, 2018. 

He set out on Wednesday April 17, 2024 at Times Square, New York City to break the record, to the support of fans from Nigeria and abroad. He stated that his mission was to raise a million dollars to provide educational opportunities to underprivileged children in Africa, and solicited donations from the world during the record attempt. 

Confirming the new achievement via social media, the chess master thanked chess coach and US counterpart Shawn Martinez: “Dear Shawn, there’s no world record without you. Together, for 60 hours, we showed the world what true collaboration means, trumping competition. We picked each other up during tough moments, both mentally and physically. And you did it with so much grace.”

Notable personalities and celebrities, including President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor, Babjide Sanwo-Olu and Afrobeats singers, Davido and Adekunle  Gold, have shown support for the chess record breaker, offering congratulatory messages for his feat.

“Tunde Onakoya continues to demonstrate that greatness can emerge from even the most humble beginnings,” said Babjide Sanwo-Olu. “His remarkable story serves as a blueprint for all of us in Lagos-a city where his impact has been felt the most, showing that with determination, dreams can indeed soar to monumental heights.”

Former vice-president Prof. Yemi Osinbajo said: “You have consistently exemplified one of life’s biggest ironies: that attaining a life of significance comes from serving the least significant among us.”