While individuals rotated in playing double Dutch and Batman paraded in Times Square, Nigerian chess expert, Tunde Onakoya embarked on his mission to set a new Guinness world record for the longest marathon and he’s just done it.
29-year-old Onakoya who is currently in New York City for the first time, aims not only to break the world record of 56 hours, set in 2018 but also to raise money for the Gift of Chess and Chess in Slums Africa, an organization that aims to use the game to lift children out of poverty.
“I’m playing for the dreams of millions of children globally without access to education,” read a message from Onakoya on a sandwich poster near the tables set up for his game. The goal was to raise $1 million over the next three days, said Russell Makofsky, a co-founder of the Gift of Chess.
The event, which is underway at New York City’s iconic Times Square, started on Wednesday, April 17, and is scheduled to end on April 19.
Onakoya has emerged triumphant in all encounters so far, including his match with New York’s National Chess Master, Shawn Martinez.
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Taking to his X account on Thursday morning, the renowned chess master who is targeting a 58-hour long marathon play on the chess board announced he has crossed the 16-hour mark; meaning he has 42 hours more to go.
He wrote; “16 hours in, 42 to go. 🙏🏾 There’s no stopping till will hit our target”
What Onakoya’s Manager Has To Say
Onakoya’s manager, known as Taiwo with the X handle “OgaBoxx,” has also provided insights into the nature of the challenge.
Taiwo mentioned that following 15 hours of uninterrupted play against 12 opponents, Onakoya decided to take a total break of 30 minutes, to the regulations requiring a five-minute break for each hour of play.
He added that Onakoya is playing two sets of games simultaneously and must not lose either.
He wrote, “The opponent on the first set is Shawn Martinez, a US National Chess Master, and he will play with Tunde throughout the attempt.
“Opponents in the second set are random players. He can’t lose any game on either set.
“Only Tunde’s match against Shawn Martinez is considered valid for the record. He is not competing in his simultaneous play against random opponents in the second set. NYC, come out and play regardless.”
Goodwill Messages Pour In For Celebrity Chess Master
Onakoya has received overwhelming support and well-wishes from prominent Nigerian figures.
Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo shared a photo of himself playing chess with Onakoya and wrote on his X account, “Dear Tunde, best of luck in Times Square… Your resilience and spirit inspire us all. Remember your own powerful words: ‘It is possible to do great things from a small place.’”
Osinbajo continued, “Let the dynamic energy of Times Square amplify the greatness that you, a proud Nigerian, bring to the chessboard. We’re all behind you—show the world the strength and determination you are made of!”
Another former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also sent his well wishes, stating, “I join millions of Nigerians at home and abroad… Your can-do spirit thus far has been truly inspirational. I am rooting for you to break new ground.”
The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu also had encouraging words for the record-chasing Mr Onakoya.
On his X account, he wrote: “Every grand victory starts with a single, bold move akin to a daring gambit—a bold move to redefine possibilities.
“@Tunde_OD; Lagos is rooting for you as you attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon at Times Square in the heart of New York.
“Taking the story of the phenomenal work you started in Lagos with young children to a global stage is a powerful testament to how greatness can emerge from anywhere.
#ChessMarathonForChange”
Other Nigerians around the world are also uniting behind Mr Onakoya. He announced the marathon’s commencement with the caption “Game time” on his X account, adding, “We haven’t even started yet and Nigerians are already trooping into camp out with me.”
Popular Nigerian singer, Adekunle Kosoko otherwise known as Adekunle Gold, is among those cheering Onakoya on.
The chess grandmaster is confronted with the arduous task, of engaging in a non-stop chess marathon for 58 hours, while ensuring not a single defeat. The result of this endeavor will be revealed in Times Square during the upcoming two days.
Backstory
Onakoya has spearheaded numerous initiatives before this latest one, utilizing the game of chess to positively impact the lives of many young Nigerians.
Under the Chess in Slums project, children in Oshodi, Makoko, and various other communities have been rescued from life on the streets.
The memorable event that took place beneath the renowned Oshodi bridge on Tuesday, 1 March 2022, saw the Canadian High Commissioner Kevin Tokar and eight sailors from the HMCS Goose Bay, a Kingston class patrol ship in the Royal Canadian Navy, engaging in a game of chess with the children who were undergoing training through the Chess In Slums programme.
