Guinness World Record: 16 hours in, Nigerian Onakoya still going strong in chess marathon
In an epic display of skill and determination, chess master Tunde Onakoya has spent a remarkable 16 hours straight playing chess in his quest to break the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon of 58 hours.
Despite the grueling challenge, Onakoya has managed to maintain his winning streak, defeating all opponents who have crossed his path.
The exciting event is taking place in the heart of New York City at the iconic Times Square, where spectators have gathered to witness this incredible feat.
Commencing on Wednesday, April 17, the marathon is set to continue until April 19, with Onakoya showing no signs of slowing down.
Notably, Onakoya’s impressive victories include a successful match against New York’s National Chess Master, Shawn Martinez, showcasing his strategic prowess and unyielding focus.
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A post on his X handle early Thursday read, “Tunde Onakoya beats a very worthy opponent and one of New York’s finest, National Chess Master Shawn Martinez!”
Onakoya’s manager, known as Taiwo with the X handle “OgaBoxx,” has also provided insights into the nature of the challenge.
Taiwo stated that after 15 hours of continuous play with 12 opponents, Onakoya took an accumulated break of 30 minutes, as the rules stipulate a five-minute break for every hour of play.
He added that Onakoya is playing two sets of games simultaneously and must not lose either.
He wrote, “The opponent on the first set is Shawn Martinez, a US National Chess Master, and he will play with Tunde throughout the attempt.
“Opponents in the second set are random players. He can’t lose any game on either set.
“Only Tunde’s match against Shawn Martinez is considered valid for the record. He is not competing in his simultaneous play against random opponents in the second set. NYC, come out and play regardless.”
The event has garnered significant attention and support from Nigerians abroad who came out to support the chess master.
Onakoya has also received encouraging messages from various Nigerian dignitaries, including 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, among others.
The US Mission Nigeria and UK in Nigeria have also sent their best wishes to Onakoya via their respective X handles.
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