Tunde Onakoya, a renowned chess player and founder of the Chess in Slums Africa initiative, began his ambitious attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon today at 10:00 am EDT in the heart of New York City’s Times Square.
Onakoya aims to surpass the current record of 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds, set by two Norwegians in 2018, by playing chess continuously for 58 hours without a single defeat. This grueling feat goes beyond personal achievement, though. Onakoya hopes to raise awareness and $1 million to support global chess education programs, particularly for children in underserved communities.
“Doing this for the dreams of millions of children across Africa without access to education,” Onakoya stated before the marathon began. His dedication to using chess as a tool for empowerment has garnered widespread support, with prominent figures like former Nigerian Vice President Yemi Osinbajo cheering him on.
The event is being streamed live, allowing supporters worldwide to witness Onakoya’s journey and contribute to his cause. As of this report, Onakoya has begun his marathon with a strong start, facing a series of opponents in the iconic Times Square setting. Whether he can maintain his focus and emerge victorious after 58 hours remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Tunde Onakoya’s attempt is a testament to the power of chess to inspire, educate, and unite.
