Nigerian chess master Tunde Onakoya is currently attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon in Times Square, New York. He aims to play for 58 consecutive hours and raise $1m for charity in the process. The funds raised will go towards supporting chess education for millions of children, a cause that is close to Onakoya’s heart.
Onakoya has garnered a strong support system during his marathon challenge, with hundreds of supporters showing up to cheer him on, including popular Nigerian musician Davido. The Nigerian community in New York has rallied behind Onakoya, providing him with music and energizing supplies of traditional Nigerian dishes like jollof rice.
Back in Nigeria, people are watching Onakoya’s progress on Twitch, a video-streaming service. As of 03:00 on Friday New York time, Onakoya had already played for 39 hours and raised over $42,000. With the support of his fans, Onakoya is confident in his ability to break the record and become a true champion of chess education.