A Nigerian chess expert, Tunde Onakoya, has set a new Guinness World Record for the longest continuous chess game on Saturday.
The chess champion confirmed this in a post on his official X account.
He stated, “We have done it.
“We’re aiming for 60 hours, guys. We’re not stopping yet. Let’s keep going.
“We have a fundraising target to meet for the education of African children worldwide. This is our reason for doing this.
“Let’s show the world the incredible power of love. Together, we can accomplish this.
Onakoya surpassed the previous record set by Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad, who played for 56 hours and 9 minutes in 2018 and aimed to reach 58 hours.
The challenge, which is taking place at New York City’s iconic Times Square, has currently exceeded 56 hours and a few minutes, putting him ahead of the previous record holders.
The new record holder mentioned that his goal was to raise funds and awareness for providing educational opportunities to underprivileged children across Africa.
According to his foundation, Chess in Slums Africa, Onakoya stated that he will be partnering with his US counterpart, Shawn Martinez.
It mentioned, “This record attempt requires a team of two players. Tunde Onakoya (NG) will be facing off against Shawn Martinez (US) for the challenge. Both players hold the title of National Masters.
“Shawn Martinez, a US National Master, renowned New York City chess legend, and chess coach, is a respected opponent. Both Tunde Onakoya and Shawn Martinez will hold the record title.”
“This record is for the longest continuous chess game. The record will be noted in hours, minutes, and seconds. It must be attempted by a team of two players,” it added.
After approximately 23 hours of playing, Martinez joined to set the new world record.
Meanwhile, Nigerians such as President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Singer Davido, and Adekunle Gold have all shown support for Onakoya in his attempt to break the new record.
