Tunde Onakoya, a master of Nigerian chess, starts a 58-hour quest to break the world record.

On Wednesday, April 17, Nigerian chess expert and Chess in Slums Africa founder Tunde Onakoya started his bid to break the record for the longest chess marathon.

Renowned for his charitable endeavors, Onakoya said that he would play chess nonstop in Times Square, New York City, from 10 a.m. on April 17 to 8 p.m. on April 19, all without losing a game.

The Guinness World Record was set on November 11, 2018, by Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad (both Norway), and it is currently 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds.

Onakoya claimed on his X account that he is taking this action in support of the aspirations of the millions of African youngsters who lack access to an education.

I want to attempt to break the Guiness World Record for the longest chess marathon on April 17, 2024, by playing 58 hours straight without losing a single game in the middle of Times Square, New York City.

“Achieving this for the aspirations of millions of underprivileged children throughout Africa,” he tweeted.

Onakoya is well-known for his wonderful work utilizing chess to give kids in the nation’s underprivileged areas—also referred to as slums—opportunities.

He clarified that he was aware of the suffering caused by hunger in an interview with Channels Television.

“We understood the anguish of not having access, and that is the true tragedy of poverty,” he declared. Not only do you lack access, but you also lack money. You’re cut off from all systems, including the legal system, education, and everything else.

“I want to be the person for someone else that I wish I had when I was younger.”

Nigerians enthusiastically cheered Onakoya on, pouring messages of support into his comment area.

Below are a few responses:

“1. Bring it home,2. Set the record,3. Make us proud, I pray for wisdom and strength, Chess it out ❤️❤️❤️❤️,” stated @RitableP.

“God will grant you victory, thank you Tunde,” stated @Iampenlord. Wishing you luck 🫡.

“Road to 58hours even if I don’t understand the game,” Hybrid_Ola stated.

Go Tunde! @WinnersWhispers said. We have you in our sights. The entire universe is rooting for you. 👏👏.

Godspeed, for the sake of my name, exclaimed @TundeTASH. 😊 We are all here for you.

Says @khanofkhans11_, “I hope you succeed. We have our whole support behind you.

“We are solidly behind you, king,” stated @aronvic98.