Born on October 6, 1994, in the bustling city of Ikorodu, Lagos, Onakoya’s journey from the slums to becoming a chess master is nothing short of inspiring.

From Slums to Chessboard: Tunde Onakoya Journey

Growing up amidst the narrow alleys and makeshift homes of Ikorodu, Onakoya discovered chess in an unlikely place – a humble barber’s shop. 

The wooden chessboard, its pieces worn by countless battles, became his refuge. 

As he moved the knights, bishops, and pawns across the squares, he found solace and purpose.

But life in the slums was unforgiving. Primary education remained a distant dream for young Onakoya. 

At the tender age of 10, he faced a crossroads: continue struggling within a broken system or forge his own path. 

Determined to survive, he left formal schooling behind and embarked on a different kind of education – one that unfolded on the 64 squares of the chessboard.

Chess as a Beacon of Hope for Tunde Onakoya

Chess became more than a game; it became Onakoya’s lifeline. 

Through sheer determination, he honed his skills, competing against opponents who underestimated the quiet boy from Ikorodu. 

His passion caught the attention of mentors who recognized his potential. 

Scholarships followed, leading him to Yaba College of Technology, where he pursued a diploma in computer science.

At Yaba, Onakoya’s brilliance shone. He clinched gold medals at the Nigeria Polytechnic Games and the RCCG Chess Championship. 

But beyond the accolades, chess gave him something profound – an identity. It transformed him into an intellectual, a thinker who believed in his place in the world.

Chess in Slums Africa: A Vision Takes Shape

In September 2018, Onakoya founded Chess in Slums Africa, a non-profit organization fueled by his unwavering commitment. 

His mission? To empower children in impoverished communities through chess. 

For Onakoya, poverty wasn’t just about lacking money; it was about being cut off from access – to education, justice, and opportunity.

“I want to be who I needed when I was young,” Onakoya declares. 

His organization reaches the forgotten corners of Lagos state – from Majidun to Makoko and now Oshodi. 

Volunteers gather in dusty courtyards, introducing chess to wide-eyed children. 

The chessboard becomes a gateway – a bridge to education, critical thinking, and hope.

A World Record and Beyond

Recently, Onakoya achieved a feat that transcends chess itself. Alongside US chess master Shawn Martinez, he embarked on a 60-hour chess marathon in the heart of New York’s Times Square. 

Their goal? Not just victory, but a million-dollar promise – to educate children across Africa’s underprivileged communities.

As the Guinness World Record clock ticked, Onakoya’s moves echoed resilience, determination, and a vision of change. 

The chess pieces danced, weaving a narrative of possibility. And in those 60 hours, they shattered barriers, proving that a pawn can become a king, even beyond the board.

Tunde Onakoya – a name etched in history, a knight who fights for education, and a rook who defends dreams. 

His legacy extends far beyond checkmates; it’s a testament to the power of chess to transform lives.

The post Meet Tunde Onakoya: The Chess Master and New Guinness World Record Holder appeared first on Black Elites.

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.

The post Renowned Chess Master Tunde Onakoya Aims to Break Guinness World Record in 58-Hour Chess Marathon appeared first on Black Elites.