Nigerian chess master, Tunde Onakoya, who recently made headlines by setting a new Guinness World Record for the longest marathon chess session, has said they received tremendous backing from the community with 1,500 unique supporters and an average donation of $80, raising over $130,000.
This was revealed in a post shared on social @giftofchess, noting that the feat was not only broke a world record but also raised significant funds and awareness for a cause he deeply cares about.
Supported by his foundation Chess in Slums Africa, Onakoya said the fundraising included special moments where donors could receive signed boards from Onakoya and his partners for varying donation amounts, including 50 boards signed by Russ and Tunde for $5,000 and 50 boards signed by Pushing Pawns Sync and Tunde for $1,000.
“We had 1,500 unique supports with an average donation of $80 dollars, raising over $130,000 dollars.
“We have several special moments of @tunde_onakoya signed boards for donations of $250 dollars.
“There’s are 50 boards signed by Russ &Tunde ($5000) and finally 50 boards signed @pushingpawnssync &Tunde Onakoya ($1000).”
Onakoya, aiming to raise $1 million for charity to support education for children across Africa, surpassed the previous record of 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds set in 2018 by Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad.
The marathon chess session took place at New York City’s Times Square, where Onakoya played for 60 hours straight, surpassing his initial target of 58 hours.
He was joined by his U.S. counterpart, Shawn Martinez, a renowned New York City chess legend and coach, after about 23 hours into the game.
In a statement by his foundation, Chess in Slums Africa, Onakoya had earlier explained that he will be joined by his U.S. counterpart, Shawn Martinez.
“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.
