Nigerian Chess Master, Onakoya, US Counterpart, Martinez Team Up In Marathon Challenge

Nigerian chess master, Tunde Onakoya and his United States counterpart, Shawn Martinez, are both attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon.

The challenge, which has currently exceeded 23 hours, is happening live at New York City’s iconic Times Square and is scheduled to end on April 19.

Onakoya’s foundation, Chess in Slums Africa, a nonprofit organization disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday.

The statement titled, “Chess in Slums Africa: Clarification and Updates on Tunde Onakoya’s Guinness World Record Attempt”, stated the rules of the challenge as outlined by Guinness World Records.

It 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.”

It added, “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.

“The same player must play against each other for the same duration. The attempt must take place in a public place/venue open to public inspection. Five minutes rest is allowed for every continuously completed hour of activity (these can be accumulated).”

The statement further read, “The goal is to raise $1,000,000 to empower more children across Africa through the work we do @chessinslumsafrica and @thegiftofchess.

“Recognised donation platforms for official information: @chessinslumsafrica (IG, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn), @thegiftofchess (IG, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn), @tunde_OD (Twitter), @tunde_onakoya (IG).”