Tunde Onakoya, a Nigerian chess champion and child education advocate, broke the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon.
The Nigerian accomplished the accomplishment in the early hours of Saturday, reaching the 56-hour mark.
We just hit the current world record of 56 Hours!!
2 Hours to go!!
$81,000 raised!We are live @HardRock
Keep Streaming! Keep Donating! Keep Sharing!https://t.co/6ed8xxH5QQ…#Tunde58hoursofChess #ChessMarathonForChange @Tunde_OD @thegiftofchess https://t.co/TyJFt10Uki pic.twitter.com/Z1uJ2wYqsS
— CHESS IN SLUMS AFRICA (@chessinslums) April 19, 2024
The previous record stood at 56 hours, 09 minutes, and 37 seconds. Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad, two Norwegians, set the record on November 11, 2018.
Despite breaking a new record, the Nigerian chess expert plans to play for 58 hours without losing a single game.
Onakoya aims to empower uneducated children in Africa with his April 17 attempt.
“I’m doing this to fulfill the ambitions of millions of African youngsters who do not have access to education. “You guys have been rock solid for me over the years,” he stated.
The advocate’s “ultimate goal” is to raise $1,000,000.
He stated that the funds will be utilized to “transform the lives of undeserved children across Africa”.
“Tunde’s courageous endeavor to set a Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon is not only a testament to his dedication but also a beacon of hope for underserved children across Africa,” he said in a statement.
“With the ultimate goal of fundraising $1,000,000 to advance the education of these deserving individuals, every contribution, whether big or small, brings us closer to realizing this noble vision.
“Let us unite in support of this noble cause. Together, we are not only witnessing a historic moment but also contributing to a cause that empowers and transforms the lives of children.
“Your generosity and commitment are invaluable as we strive to make a meaningful difference through the power of chess and education.”
As of the time of this report, the fundraiser has garnered over $94,000.
Onakoya’s feat is however subject to confirmation by the prestigious British reference book.
