Tunde Onakoya, a Nigerian chess virtuoso, etched his name into the annals of history on Saturday, clinching a remarkable triumph by breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest uninterrupted chess marathon.
With enthusiasm radiating from his official X account, Onakoya shared the exhilarating news with his followers, fueled by an unwavering resolve to extend his feat to 60 hours. He underscored the philanthropic motive behind his endeavor – rallying support for the education of underprivileged African children globally.
The backdrop of his extraordinary achievement was the bustling Times Square in New York City, where he eclipsed the previous record of 56 hours and 9 minutes, set by Norwegian players.
Teaming up with his US counterpart, Shawn Martinez, also a national master, Tunde embarked on a journey not only to rewrite history but also to spotlight the dire need for educational opportunities for disadvantaged children across Africa.
After an initial 23-hour solo stint, Martinez joined forces with Tunde, fortifying their resolve to forge ahead. Their endeavor garnered widespread support from prominent figures, including Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and music luminaries Davido and Adekunle Gold.
Through their unwavering determination and the outpouring of solidarity, Tunde and Shawn underscored the transformative power of unity and compassion in effecting positive change on a global scale.
