Renowned Chess Master Tunde Onakoya Aims to Break Guinness World Record in 58-Hour Chess Marathon

Tunde Onakoya, a celebrated chess master, has embarked on an extraordinary mission: to surpass the Guinness World Record for the longest continuous chess marathon. 

The event, currently underway at New York City’s iconic Times Square, began on Wednesday, April 17, and is scheduled to conclude on April 19.

16 Hours of Tunde Onakoya Uninterrupted Play and Counting

Onakoya has already played an impressive 16 hours straight, facing off against opponents in a grueling battle of wits. 

Remarkably, he has emerged victorious in every encounter, including a high-stakes match against New York’s National Chess Master, Shawn Martinez. 

A post on his social media handle early Thursday exclaimed, “Tunde Onakoya defeats a formidable opponent and one of New York’s finest, National Chess Master Shawn Martinez!”

The Challenge: Simultaneous Play and No Losses

According to Onakoya’s manager, Taiwo (known by the handle “OgaBoxx”), the challenge is twofold. Onakoya is simultaneously playing two sets of games.

 In the first set, he faces off against Shawn Martinez, a US National Chess Master, and this match alone will be considered valid for the record attempt. 

In the second set, Onakoya competes against random players.

 However, he must not lose a single game in either set. The rules stipulate a five-minute break for every hour of play, and after 15 hours of continuous matches with 12 opponents, Onakoya took an accumulated break of 30 minutes.

Encouragement from Dignitaries

Tunde Onakoya’s remarkable feat has garnered attention from dignitaries across Nigeria. 

Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party Atiku Abubakar, and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu have all sent their encouraging messages. 

Additionally, the US Mission in Nigeria and the UK in Nigeria have extended their best wishes to Onakoya via their respective social media handles.

New Yorkers Invited to Participate

As the chess marathon continues, Onakoya’s message to New Yorkers is clear: “Come out and play regardless.” 

While his official record attempt focuses on the match against Shawn Martinez, the spirit of chess permeates Times Square, inviting enthusiasts and casual players alike to join in the excitement.