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Breaking Boundaries: Tunde Onakoya’s Historic 60-Hour Chess Marathon

Published

7 months ago

Apr 23, 2024.

Eko Hot Blog reports that In a historic moment for the global chess community and Nigeria, Tunde Onakoya, a Nigerian chess prodigy, shattered the world record for the longest continuous chess game.

Onakoya’s extraordinary feat captivated the attention of chess enthusiasts worldwide as he played for an astonishing 60 hours, surpassing the previous record of 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds held by Norwegian duo Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad in 2018.

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Tunde Onakoya, a 26-year-old chess sensation, has been a prominent figure in the Nigerian chess scene for several years. His remarkable skill and dedication to the game have earned him recognition both locally and internationally. Onakoya’s passion for chess began at a young age, and over the years, he has honed his skills, participating in numerous tournaments and championships.

The Record-Breaking Game: Onakoya’s epic endeavor began on Friday, April 19, 2024, at 8:00 am GMT, in Lagos, Nigeria. The event, held at the Lagos Chess Club, attracted a large audience and was broadcast live on various platforms, drawing attention from the global chess community. As Onakoya embarked on his historic journey, he faced a series of opponents who took turns challenging him throughout the game.

Reports revealed that besides being an attempt to set a new world record, the chess marathon was planned to raise $1m (£805,000) for charity.

“As of 5:47 a.m. on Saturday, the attempt had raised $99,183.36. The money, Onakoya says, will support chess education for millions of African children,” reports revealed.

Nigerian Hip-hop Singer, Davido, showing support for Onakoya

Despite facing formidable opponents, Onakoya maintained his focus and determination, pushing himself beyond the limits to achieve this remarkable feat. Throughout the game, he demonstrated exceptional strategic prowess, endurance, and mental fortitude, captivating the audience with his remarkable performance.

Some of the Opponents Faced by Tunde Onakoya:

1. Olufemi Adebayo: A seasoned chess player and former Nigerian national champion.

2. Elena Petrov: A Russian chess player known for her aggressive playing style.

3. Jiang Liang: A Chinese chess player known for his strategic and unconventional moves.

4. Maria Santos: A Brazilian chess player famous for her defensive and counter-attacking strategies.

5. David Johnson: An American chess player renowned for his deep opening repertoire and tactical play.

Onakoya playing with US opponent at Times Square, New York City

Onakoya’s record-breaking accomplishment marks a significant milestone in the world of chess, underscoring the game’s universal appeal and the extraordinary capabilities of its players. His achievement serves as an inspiration to aspiring chess players around the world, showcasing the power of dedication, resilience, and strategic thinking.

The global chess community has erupted in applause and admiration for Onakoya’s remarkable achievement. Chess federations, players, and enthusiasts from around the world have extended their congratulations to Onakoya, recognizing the magnitude of his accomplishment.

Social media platforms have been flooded with messages of support and admiration from prominent leaders in Nigeria, citizens and well-wishers for the Nigerian chess prodigy.