Record For 58-hour Game Broken By Nigerian Chess Master Tunde Onakoya

Tunde Onakoya

Tunde Onakoya, a Nigerian chess master, breaks the record of 58 hours played.

The record for the longest marathon game of chess was set by Nigerian master player Tunde Onakoya on Saturday, April 20.

Onakoya stated, “We have done it,” in a post on his official X account, confirming this.

“We're pushing to 60 hours guys. We're not stopping yet. Let's keep going.

“We have a fundraising goal to meet for the education of African children around the world. This is our why the reason we are doing this.

“Let's demonstrate to the world the incredible power of love. Together, we can make this happened.”

The record was previously held by two Norwegian players, Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad, who played for 56 hours and 9 minutes in 2018. However, Onakoya hoped to surpass the milestone of 58 hours.

The challenge, which is taking place at Times Square in New York City, has now lasted more than 56 hours and a few minutes, and it has already surpassed the previous record holders.

According to the new record holder, his goal was to generate money and publicity for the purpose of giving impoverished children in Africa access to school.

Onakoya announced that Shawn Martinez, his US equivalent, will be joining him in a statement released by his nonprofit, Chess in Slums Africa.

It partially read, “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,” it added.

Martinez entered the game after almost 23 hours had passed, setting a new world record.

Adekunle Gold, singer Davido, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and President Bola Tinubu have all shown support for Onakoya's attempt to smash the previous record.