Chess player Tunde Onakoya is planning to attempt to break the world record for longest chess marathon, currently set at 61 hours by two Norwegian players.
Onakoya, who is going against US National master Shawn Martinez, aims to set a new record of 70 hours from April 17 to April 20 at Times Square, New York, USA.
He said his goal goes beyond breaking the record but to inspire the world and raise support for a noble cause of building the biggest free school for homeless children in Nigeria.
Onakoya will be joined by some of his trained children from Chess in Slums Africa initiative, who will participate in the record attempt for a few hours, showcasing their talents and potential.
The event is also open to chess players in New York City, who are invited to challenge Onakoya and his team.
Onakoya wrote: “There is a new world record for 61 hours set by two Norwegian players. On the 17th of April, we will attempt to break that record and set a new one for 70 hours
“My dream is to inspire the world, and raise support to build the biggest free school for homeless children in Nigeria.
“I won’t be doing it alone. I’ll be playing alongside these kids who have shown all of us that it is possible to do great things from a small place. (They will only join in for a few hours). This is an open call to every chess player in New York City to come and challenge them”.
Onakoya broke the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon in April, 2024, surpassing the previous record set by Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad in 2018.
The Norwegian duo played for 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds.
Onakoya partnered with US chess master Shawn Martinez, exceeded this record on April 20, 2024, achieving an impressive 60-hour marathon.
