Tributes Praise came quickly on Saturday as well-known Nigerian chess expert, Tunde Onakoya set a new 60-hour Guinness World Record for the longest continuous chess game at Times Square, New York, as reported by Sunday PUNCH.
Onakoya started his marathon session with the aim of raising $1m for underprivileged children’s education across Africa through the record attempt.
The 29-year-old played chess for 60 hours, from Wednesday, April 17 to 20, surpassing the current chess marathon record of 56 hours, nine minutes and 37 seconds, set in 2018 by Norwegians Hallvard Haug Flatebo and Sjur Ferkingstad.
“I can’t comprehend many of the emotions I feel right now. I don’t have the right words for them. But I know we did something truly remarkable,” Onakoya told the AFP.
“At 3am last night on Friday, that was the moment I was ready to just give it all up but Nigerians traveled from all over the world. And they were with me overnight.
“We were singing together and they were dancing together and I couldn’t just give up on them.”
The 29-year-old played against Shawn Martinez, an American chess champion, according to Guinness World Records guidelines that any attempt to break the record must be made by two players who would play continuously for the entire duration.
For every hour of game played, Onakoya and his opponent only had five minutes’ break.
In response to Onakoya’s accomplishment, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu said in a statement, “setting a new world chess record and showcasing Nigeria’s resilience, self-belief, and creativity.
“You have demonstrated a characteristic often seen among Nigeria’s youth population, the courage to bring about positive change … even from disadvantaged positions.”
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu praised Onakoya, saying that his extraordinary feat embodies the spirit of Lagos.
He stated, “Congratulations to chess master, Tunde Onakoya, on breaking the world chess marathon record in Times Square, New York. “Your journey from Lagos, Nigeria to global recognition embodies the spirit of our great city.
“He continues to show that greatness can emerge from even the most humble beginnings. His remarkable story serves as a model for all of us in Lagos City where his impact has been felt the most, showing that with determination, dreams can indeed soar to monumental heights.
“Tunde’s entire journey was highlighted on digital billboards and celebrated with watch parties, capturing the true spirit of Lagos. Despite enduring pain and fatigue, Tunde persevered, driven by his commitment to empower the children he champions.
“This is your moment, Tunde, and Lagos stands with you every step of the way.”
A former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili, also wrote, “And it came to pass. 1 Corinthians 2v9. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.
“Congratulations to you, #Tunde_OD!
“Your purposeful life will phenomenally unlock all you need to fulfill your dream for children today and generations to come. Godspeed!”
At the same time, The Guinness World Records group has not yet made a public statement about Onakoya's try. It can sometimes take a few weeks for the organization to confirm any new record.
