Chess Player Tunde Onakoya Remains Undefeated After 20 Hours, Receives Over $26K in Donations

In an extraordinary feat, chess champion Tunde Onakoya has achieved an undefeated streak of 20 hours in his Guinness World Record attempt. The founder of Chess in Slum Initiative Africa, Tunde embarked on this record-breaking journey on Wednesday, April 17.

His remarkable performance includes a victory over New York’s National Chess Master, Shawn Martinez. Throughout the intense challenge, Tunde keeps his followers updated on his progress and expresses heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support he has received.

Notably, Tunde has received an astounding $26,060 (equivalent to over N30 million) in donations. His ongoing 58-hour chess marathon in Times Square, New York City, is being broadcast live via Tiltify.

Tunde Onakoya hails from Ikorodu, Nigeria, and learned to play chess in a barber’s shop in the slums of Lagos where he grew up. Despite financial challenges, Tunde persevered and became the number 13 chess player in Nigeria.

Tunde was featured on CNN African Voices for his inspiring journey and contributions to chess. He is also a board member of the New York City-based non-profit organization The Gift of Chess.