Nigerian chess master, Tunde Onakoya, has emerged victorious in his quest to set a new world record for the longest chess marathon.
Though he originally set out to do 58 hours, Onakoya persevered for a grueling 60 hours before finally halting his historic challenge.
This achievement shatters the previous record of 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds set by Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad of Norway in November 2018.
Upon approval by the Guinness World Records, Onakoya’s feat will officially eclipse the nearly six-year-old record.
Onakoya’s record-breaking attempt has garnered immense attention, fueled not only by the ambitious time goal but also by his mission to raise $1 million for underprivileged children worldwide.
Tinubu congratulates Tunde Onakoya as he breaks Guinness World Records
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Nigerian chess master, Tunde Onakoya, on setting a new world chess record and sounding the gong of Nigeria’s resilience, self-belief, and ingenuity at the square of global acclaim.
Onakoya broke the Guinness World Record (GWR) for the longest chess marathon on Saturday, after playing for over 58 hours and winning every match in tow.
President Tinubu, in a statement by Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, celebrated the Nigerian Chess Champion and founder of Chess in Slums Africa for the rare feat, but especially for the reason driving this compelling demonstration of character, which is raising funds for African children to learn and find opportunity through chess.
The President said Onakoya has shown a streak customary among Nigeria’s youth population, the audacity to make good change happen; to baffle impossibility, and propel innovations and solutions to the nation’s challenges, even from corners of disadvantage.
The President affirmed that Nigeria’s youths have demonstrated in all fields, including Afrobeats, Nollywood, the pulsating skit-making enterprise, education, science, and technology, that great exploits can truly come from small quarters.
He also commended the inclination of Nigerians – across artificial partitions – for unity, once again exemplified through their undiluted support for this epoch-making endeavour.
The President assured all citizens that his administration remains strongly committed to creating and expanding opportunities for the youth to explore and exercise their abilities and become the symbols of greatness our nation represents into the future.
Similarly, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has hailed renowned chess master, Tunde Onakoya, for setting a new 60-hour chess marathon record.
In a statement posted on his X account on Saturday, Sanwo-Olu hailed Onakoya for breaking the world chess marathon record in Times Square, New York.
He praised Onakoya’s journey from Lagos, Nigeria to global recognition, stating that it embodies the spirit of the city.
He wrote, “Congratulations to chess master, Tunde Onakoya, on breaking the world chess marathon record in Times Square, New York. “Your journey from Lagos, Nigeria to global recognition embodies the spirit of our great city.
“#Tunde_OD continues to demonstrate that greatness can emerge from even the most humble beginnings. 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.
“Tunde’s entire journey was showcased on digital billboards and celebrated with watch parties, capturing the true spirit of Lagos. Despite enduring pain and fatigue, Tunde persevered, driven by his commitment to empower the children he champions.
“This is your moment, Tunde, and Lagos stands with you every step of the way.”
Culled from ir