Nigerian Chess Champion Raises Over $120,000 in Record-Breaking Marathon
Tunde Onakoya, a 29-year-old Nigerian chess champion and founder of the education charity Chess in Slums Africa, achieved a remarkable feat by livestreaming himself breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon.
Onakoya’s endeavor took place in New York City’s Times Square on April 17, aiming to surpass the previous record of 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds set by Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad.
Supported by U.S. chess champion Shawn Martinez, Onakoya embarked on a grueling challenge, playing chess continuously for 60 hours. Martinez also broke the record alongside Onakoya during the marathon. Both players adhered to strict guidelines, taking only five-minute breaks after each hour of gameplay.
Onakoya’s motivation extended beyond personal achievement; he used the marathon as a platform to raise funds for The Gift of Chess, a nonprofit organization based in New York City. Through a Tiltify fundraiser, Onakoya and Martinez raised an impressive $126,074.46. The Gift of Chess, founded in 2021, aims to distribute chess sets to children globally, with a target of providing 1 million sets by 2030.
The impact of The Gift of Chess has been substantial, reaching over two dozen countries and regions, including Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Ghana, and Somalia. The organization’s mission resonates with Onakoya’s vision of using chess as a tool for education and empowerment.
While Guinness has yet to officially recognize Onakoya and Martinez’s record-breaking achievement, the marathon’s success underscores the global support for initiatives promoting education through chess. Onakoya’s fundraiser remains open for donations, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to expanding access to chess education worldwide.
Reflecting on his experience, Onakoya expressed gratitude for the support received during the marathon and shared his fond memories of New York City, signifying the end of a remarkable journey.
