Tunde Onakoya Breaks Guinness World Records For Longest Chess Marathon

Nigerian chess master, Tunde Onakoya, has set a new Guinness World Record for the longest marathon chess.

The chestmaster confirmed this in a post on his official X account.

He wrote, “We have done it.

“We’re pushing to 60 hours guys. We’re not stopping yet. Let’s keep going.

The new record holder said his attempt was to raise funds and awareness for providing educational opportunities to underprivileged children across Africa.

In a statement by his foundation, Chess in Slums Africa, Onakoya said he will be joined by his US counterpart, Shawn Martinez.

It read in part, “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.

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“Shawn Martinez, a US National Master, renowned New York City chess legend, and chess coach, poses as a formidable adversary. Both Tunde Onakoya and Shawn Martinez will hold the record title.”

“This record is for the longest time to continuously play chess. This record is to be mentioned in hours, minutes, and seconds. This record is to be attempted by a team of two players,” it added.

After about 23 hours into the game, Martinez joined to make the new world record.

The previous record of 56 hours, 9 minutes, was held by Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad in 2018.

According to The Gift of Chess on X who posted at 12:34 am on Saturday, “56 Hours Straight. The Record Is SET TO BREAK.”

Recall AN24 earlier reported how Multiple award-winning Afrobeat singer, Davido and other Nigerian celebrities had turned up to cheer Onakoya while he attempted to set this record.

Details later…