Nigerian chess master, Tunde Onakoya, recently made headlines for his remarkable achievement in breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon. Alongside his United States counterpart, Shawn Martinez, the duo engaged in a grueling 60-hour game that captivated audiences worldwide.
According to a statement from Onakoya’s foundation, Chess in Slums Africa, both players, who hold the title of National Masters in chess, battled it out against each other throughout the challenge. Their dedication and strategic prowess ultimately led them to secure the record title, surpassing the previous record set by Norwegian players in 2018.
In a heartfelt post on social media, Onakoya expressed his admiration for Martinez, acknowledging the crucial role his counterpart played in their success. “Dear Shawn, there’s no world record without you,” Onakoya wrote. “Together, for 60 hours, we showed the world what true collaboration means, trumping competition. We picked each other up during tough moments, both mentally and physically. And you did it with so much grace.”
Onakoya went on to thank Martinez, referring to him as a “brother” and congratulating him on their shared achievement. The camaraderie and sportsmanship displayed by both players during the marathon game exemplified the spirit of unity and teamwork.
Not only did Onakoya and Martinez make history with their record-breaking feat, but they also used the opportunity to raise funds and awareness for providing educational opportunities to underprivileged children across Africa. Their dedication to the game of chess transcended mere competition, serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring players and communities in need.
As the world celebrates their remarkable accomplishment, Onakoya and Martinez stand as shining examples of perseverance, collaboration, and the power of the human spirit. Their story serves as a reminder that with determination and solidarity, any challenge can be overcome, and any record can be broken.
