Nigerian chess master, Tunde Onakoya, has set a new Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon after playing chess for 58 hours nonstop.
Onakoya set the new record on Saturday, April 19, at New York City’s iconic Times Square, USA.
Onakoya broke the record of Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad, who played for 56-hour, 9-minute in 2018.
The new record holder said his attempt was to raise funds and awareness for providing educational opportunities to underprivileged children across Africa.
In a statement by his foundation, Chess in Slums Africa, Onakoya said he will be joined by his US counterpart, Shawn Martinez.
“This record attempt requires a team of two players. Tunde Onakoya (NG) will be facing off against Shawn Martinez (US) for the challenge. Both players hold the title of National Masters.
Shawn Martinez, a US National Master, renowned New York City chess legend, and chess coach, poses as a formidable adversary. Both Tunde Onakoya and Shawn Martinez will hold the record title.
This record is for the longest time to continuously play chess. This record is to be mentioned in hours, minutes, and seconds. This record is to be attempted by a team of two players,” the statement reads in part.
