Tunde Onakoya, a renowned chess master from Nigeria, is making headlines with his ambitious attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest unbeaten chess marathon!
This isn’t just about a personal challenge; Onakoya is driven by a desire to empower children through his “Chess in Slums” initiative.
Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know about Tunde Onakoya’s record attempt and the inspiring mission behind it:
Aiming High: A 58-Hour Chess Marathon
Onakoya’s journey began on April 17th, 2024, in the heart of New York City’s Times Square.
His goal:
to play chess continuously for a staggering 58 hours without losing a single game. This surpasses the current record of 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds set by Norway’s Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad in 2018.
Tunde Onakoya Challenge:
He’s not playing just one opponent! Onakoya’s playing two sets of games simultaneously! One match is against US National Chess Master Shawn Martinez, who will be his opponent throughout the entire attempt,
and…
The other set involves random players, with Tunde Onakoya needing to remain undefeated in both sets to achieve his record.
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However,
there’s a twist! He’s playing two sets of games simultaneously:
- Set 1: A continuous match against Shawn Martinez, a National Chess Master from the US.
- Set 2: Simultaneous games against random players throughout the marathon.
The key point here is that Onakoya cannot lose a single game in either set.
While only his match against Martinez counts towards the official record, maintaining focus and winning against a constant stream of opponents is no easy feat.
This grueling 58-hour challenge is not just about pushing his mental limits; it’s a mission to empower children through the game of chess.
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Playing for a Purpose:
Onakoya’s initiative, aptly named “Chess Marathon For Change,” is driven by a desire to provide opportunities for underprivileged children.
Tunde Onakoya’s mission extends far beyond the chessboard. Since 2018, his “Chess in Slums” program has been a beacon of hope, using chess as a tool to uplift underprivileged children in Africa.
The program provides a pathway away from poverty and social stigma, offering scholarships and educational opportunities.
The project’s success speaks for itself, having already reached over 10,000 young people across 25 African countries and providing them with life-changing scholarships.
The Dream: Chess for Every Child
Onakoya’s ultimate goal is to raise $1 million to donate a staggering 1 million chess sets to children worldwide. He, along with his team, has already secured over 116,000 chess sets for distribution and fully funded educational scholarships for 1,000 children.
National and Global Support
Onakoya’s journey hasn’t been solitary. he has garnered widespread support, not just from Nigerians but also from international organizations.
Nigerian dignitaries like Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu have all sent their well wishes.
Even international organizations like the US Mission Nigeria and UK in Nigeria have sent their well wishes.
Ambassador Peter Lot Egopija, Nigeria's Consul-General in New York City, and his team dropped by Times Square to show their support for our world record attempt.#ChessMarathonForChange#Tunde58hoursOfChess pic.twitter.com/IrGm5BY61l
— Tunde Onakoya (@Tunde_OD) April 18, 2024
The Finish Line in Sight:
As of writing this, Onakoya has successfully crossed the 16-hour mark, remaining undefeated! With 42 hours still to go, the tension is high.
But…
with the weight of his cause and the support behind him, Onakoya is determined to make history – and change lives – through the power of chess.
Following the Journey: Stay Updated!
Whether you’re a chess enthusiast or simply admire someone striving to make a positive impact, Tunde Onakoya’s story is truly inspiring.
Stay tuned for updates on his progress and follow the hashtag #ChessMarathonForChange to see how this incredible journey unfolds!
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