Tunde Onakoya’s 58-hour Guinness World Record Attempt Goes Beyond Self-legacy

Nigerian chess master, Tunde Onakoya is attempting the remarkable as we speak. The Ikorodu native is gunning to break the Guinness World Record for the longest chess Marathon, attempting the feat at the very heart of New York; the famous Times Square. 

The feat is set to end by 8 pm on April 19, 2024. If Tunde emerges victorious by hitting the 58-hour mark,  he will be setting a new precedent, outranking the current time record of 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds held by Hallvard Haug Flatabø, and Sjur Ferkingstad of Norway.

Tunde’s mantra often iterated, “It is possible to do great things from a small place”. Hailing from a place many will regard as the lowest of trenches; Ikorodu, In Nigeria, Tunde has been able to prove his mantra affirmative.

His story is one for the books; but only that this is just not Tunde’s story, at least not from his perspective. His story is a shared tale iterated to shine a light on the Gifted less privileged child from Africa.

The Nigerian who grew up in the poorest parts of the country learnt Chess from the most unlikely places; a barber’s shop and has since then used the witted-minded game as not only a tool for mastery but also as a medium of upliftment; raising hundreds of kids from the slums by teaching them chess and it’s subsequent perks, changing their lives in the process.

Tunde has become an emblem of hope and inspiration to the ghetto youth, reminding them that truly great things could emerge from small places. In his grand pursuit of purpose, he has found stardom.

However, his Guinness World record attempt goes beyond self-elevation as he aims to use the momentum to create awareness of the potential in Africa, in particular, the African child in dire need of education.

Attached to his record-breaking campaign is a fundraising site, with the target set at a whooping one million dollars. For each opponent defeated, a donation is made.

Here’s how to show support towards the campaign:

1. Donate (obviously)
2. Use the hashtag: #ChessMarathonForChange
3. Stream the event live (as proceeds from streaming also go towards the grand course) via his Instagram page.
4. Be of good cheer by engaging all related posts.