Nigerian Chess Master Attempts to Break 58-hour Marathon Record in Times Square with $1m Charity Goal

Nigerian chess master Tunde Onakoya is currently attempting to break the record for the longest chess marathon in Times Square, New York. His goal is to play for 58 consecutive hours and raise $1m for charity. The funds will support chess education for millions of children, a cause that is close to Onakoya’s heart.

Onakoya has gained widespread support during his challenge, with hundreds of people showing up to cheer him on, including popular Nigerian musician Davido. The Nigerian community in New York has rallied behind Onakoya, providing him with music and energizing supplies of traditional Nigerian dishes like jollof rice.

Back in Nigeria, people are following Onakoya’s progress on Twitch, a video-streaming service. As of 03:00 on Friday New York time, Onakoya had already played for 39 hours and raised over $42,000. With the support of his fans, he is confident in his ability to break the Guinness World Record of 56 hours, nine minutes and 37 seconds.

Chess holds a special significance for Onakoya as it helped lift him out of poverty while growing up in Lagos. Through his NGO Chess in Slums Africa he teaches children from underserved communities the game using it as a tool to aid their education. Additionally, Onakoya is involved with the US non-profit organization The Gift of Chess which aims to distribute one million chess sets to underserved communities by 2030.