With each passing hour and the cycle of daylight to darkness and back again, Onakoya’s commitment never wavered. Whether facing opponent from the United State in New York City’s Times Square, he played tirelessly. Testing his stamina through sleepless nights and mentally challenging days, he pressed on. Driven by an unrelenting desire for triumph and a mission to elevate Nigerian chess on the international stage, he persisted.
Onakoya’s chess quest commenced in the vibrant city of Ikorodu, located in Lagos State, Nigeria. From an early age, he was captivated by the profound depth and intellectual rigor that the game offered. Driven by his passion and determination, he relentlessly pursued mastery of the game’s complexities. As a result, Onakoya’s exceptional talent and unwavering commitment led him to achieve numerous accolades and esteemed titles within the African chess community. However, it was his extraordinary performance in an unprecedented marathon event that truly launched him into the realm of international stardom.
The Journey to Breaking Records
Tunde Onakoya’s love for chess can be traced back to his early years, when he first encountered the complexities and difficulties of the game. With time, he refined his abilities and strategic mindset, emerging as a formidable contender in both domestic and global chess tournaments. Through unwavering commitment and an unwavering quest for perfection, he has now reached a remarkable milestone by setting a new record for the longest chess marathon.
Endurance and Determination
Tunde Onakoya’s ability to play chess continuously for 60 hours is a testament to his unwavering determination and deep love for the game. This remarkable achievement is not to be taken lightly, as it demands exceptional mental acuity, strategic planning, and immense physical and mental endurance. Tunde’s unwavering focus and sharpness throughout the marathon is a true reflection of his dedication and passion.
Celebrating Excellence
While we celebrate the remarkable achievement of Tunde Onakoya, it is equally important to appreciate the value of pushing boundaries and constantly challenging ourselves to surpass new milestones. His record-breaking performance will undoubtedly be remembered as a testament to the immense potential of the human spirit and the remarkable power of unwavering determination.
President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria extended his congratulations to Onakoya through an online platform, commending him for his remarkable achievement in setting a new world chess record. In a statement relayed by his aide Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu praised Onakoya for exemplifying Nigeria’s resilience, self-belief, and creativity on the global stage. Tinubu further expressed his admiration for the Nigerian Chess Champion and the founder of Chess in Slums Africa, highlighting his noble cause of raising funds to provide African children with the opportunity to learn and thrive through chess.
Onakoya emerged victorious in every match against Martinez, fueled by Nigerian jollof rice, the vibrant sounds of Afrobeats music, and encouraging messages from supporters worldwide. Notable figures such as Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Davido and singer Adekunle Gold were present in Manhattan to show their support.
Guinness World Record Guidelines
Onakoya and Shawn Martinez, a distinguished chess champion from the United States, participated in a match following the guidelines outlined by the Guinness World Records. These guidelines specify that any attempt to break the record must involve two players engaging in uninterrupted play for the entire duration.
Previous Record Holders
Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad from Norway set the previous record of 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds in 2018.
in conclusion With the objective of supporting education for children across Africa, the 29-year-old is making an earnest attempt to raise $1 million for a charitable cause. Onakoya recently utilized X, formerly known as Twitter, to announce his determination to prolong his efforts, stating, “We are striving to reach a total of 60 hours, everyone. We will not halt our progress. Let us persist. Our aim is to achieve our fundraising goal for the education of African children worldwide. This is the driving force behind our actions.”
