Guinness World Record: Davido Backs Nigerian Chess Master Tunde Onakoya in New York

Tunde Onakoya is receiving significant support, including from Afrobeat star Davido, as he attempts to break the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon in New York’s Times Square.

The current record stands at 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds, set in 2018, with Onakoya aiming for 58 hours of continuous play.

Afrobeat star David Adeleke, widely known as Davido, has shown his support for esteemed chess master Tunde Onakoya, who is attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon.

Joining Davido in cheering on Onakoya are Nigerian musician Adekunle Kosoko, also known as Adekunle Gold, Nigeria’s Consul-General in New York City, Ambassador Peter Egopija, and activist Omoyele Sowore, among others.

Onakoya shared an update on his X account on Thursday, stating, “Game number 100. 87 against my main opponent #CoachShawnMar. 13 against external challengers. We are now 31 hours in, with 27 to go! That puts us officially past the halfway mark. It’s looking possible now. Keep streaming, keep donating.”

The marathon, held at the iconic Times Square in New York City, commenced at 10am on Wednesday, April 17, and will conclude at 8pm on April 19.

Onakoya aims to play continuously for 58 hours, striving to remain undefeated throughout the session.

The current Guinness World Record is held by Norwegians Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad, who set the record at 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds on November 11, 2018.

WATCH: Moment Davido Cheers Nigerian Chess Master Tunde Onakoya in New York

Guinness World Record: Moment Davido cheers Tunde Onakoya.#Dollar | #DubaiFlooding | Kirikiri | White Lion | Abuja | Linda Ikeji | Yahaya Bello | Israel | #QuiloxIsBack | Olamide | Victor Moses pic.twitter.com/DMW3LDfLIV— VerseNews (@VerseNewsOnline) April 19, 2024