The Nigerian Chess Master, Tunde Onakoya is attempting to set a 58-hour chess marathon for Guinness World Record, GWR
The intense marathon, which is taking place at New York City’s iconic Times Square, started at 10am on Wednesday, April 17th, 2024.
The current record, set by Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad of Norway on November 11, 2018, stands at 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds.
Nigerian singer, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has showed up at the event to support Onakoya.
Others who have also come out to support Onakoya include Nigerian singer, Adekunle Kosoko, popularly known as Adekunle Gold, Nigeria’s Consul-General in New York City, Ambassador Peter Egopija, and Omoyele Sowore among others.
The Chess in Slums founder had got best wishes from former vice president, Yemi Osinbajo and many other Nigerians.
Below are 10 things to know about Tunde Onakoya’s 58-Hour Chess Marathon:
1. The marathon began at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 17, and is scheduled to conclude at 8 p.m. on April 19.
2. Onakoya aims to play continuously for 58 hours without suffering a defeat.
3. The marathon is currently underway at New York City’s iconic Times Square.
4. The current record stands at 56 hours, 9 minutes and 37 seconds.
5. Onakoya is using this record attempt to raise $1 million for his nonprofit organization Chess in Slums Africa.
6. The $1 million fundraising target would allow Chess in Slums Africa to build a free chess academy and STEM innovation lab in Lagos that street children can access.
7. Onakoya is calling on 1,000 donors to contribute and help him reach the $1 million goal through this 58-hour chess marathon
8. The current record holders for the longest chess marathon are Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad from Norway, who played for 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds.
9. Tunde’s marathan attempt can be watched live on https://tiltify.com/@tundeonakoya/tunde-onakoya
10. Afrobeats singer Davido also visited Tunde Onakoya after his performance at the maddison square garden.
