Tunde Onakoya Biography: Age, Parents, State Of Origin, Career, Chess, Guinness World Records, Net Worth
Tunde Onakoya Biography
Tunde Onakoya is a Nigerian chess player and coach, renowned for holding the Guinness World Records for the longest marathon chess game. Born on October 6, 1994, in Ikorodu, Nigeria, he has been ranked as the number 13 chess player in Nigeria.
Onakoya is also the founder of Chess in Slums Africa, an organization that empowers children in impoverished communities through chess, providing them with opportunities to learn and develop literacy skills.
Recently, on April 20, 2024, Onakoya broke the world record for the longest chess marathon in Times Square, New York City, playing for over 60 consecutive hours. His efforts go beyond just setting records; he aims to raise funds for the education of children in Africa, particularly those without access to quality education.
Tunde Onakoya State Of Origin
Tunde Onakoya hails from Lagos State, Nigeria.
Tunde Onakoya Age
Tunde Onakoya is 29 years old as of 2024.
Tunde Onakoya Early Life and Education
Tunde Onakoya was born on October 6, 1994, in the bustling streets of Ikorodu, Lagos, Nigeria. Despite these challenges, Tunde found solace and a sense of purpose in chess, a game he stumbled upon at a local barber’s shop.
Education was a luxury that seemed out of reach for Tunde. His mother, recognizing the importance of education, made a significant sacrifice. She offered to work as a cleaner at a school in exchange for Tunde’s school fees.
This act of selflessness fueled Tunde’s drive to succeed academically. He pursued a diploma in Computer Science from Yaba College of Technology, where he not only excelled in his studies but also shone in chess, representing his school in the Nigeria Polytechnic Games and winning the RCCG Chess Championship.
Tunde Onakoya Career and Chess Achievements
Tunde Onakoya’s chess career is a remarkable journey of passion, perseverance, and purpose. His early exposure to chess in the streets of Ikorodu ignited a lifelong love for the game. Despite the challenges of his environment, Tunde’s natural aptitude for chess quickly became apparent. He honed his skills in local barbershops, turning every game into a learning opportunity.
As a player, Tunde has consistently ranked among the top chess talents in Nigeria. His strategic acumen and tactical prowess have seen him clinch victories in national tournaments, earning him the respect of his peers and the chess community at large. Notably, his triumphs in the National Friends of Chess and the Chevron Chess Open stand out as testaments to his skill and competitive spirit.
Beyond personal accolades, Tunde’s contributions to chess extend to his role as an educator and mentor. Recognizing the transformative power of chess, he founded Chess in Slums Africa, an initiative that leverages the game as a tool for social change. Through this platform, Tunde has introduced chess to countless children in impoverished communities, fostering critical thinking and offering a pathway to educational opportunities.
The impact of Tunde’s work has been amplified through partnerships and media features. Collaborations with organizations like Chess.com have expanded the reach of Chess in Slums Africa, bringing the benefits of chess to a wider audience. His story has been shared on global platforms such as CNN African Voices, inspiring a broader conversation about the role of sports in empowering youth.
Tunde Onakoya’s Guinness World Records
Tunde Onakoya achieved a remarkable feat by setting a new Guinness World Record for the longest marathon chess game. On April 20, 2024, in the vibrant atmosphere of Times Square, New York City, he surpassed the previous record by playing chess for over 60 consecutive hours. This historic event was not just about breaking records but also served a noble cause. Tunde aimed to raise $1 million for the education of children in Africa, particularly those without access to quality education.
The previous record was 56 hours and 9 minutes, set by Norwegian players in 2018. Tunde’s initial target was to play for 58 hours, but he pushed beyond this goal, extending the marathon to a full 60 hours. His extraordinary effort was streamed live and drew considerable attention from major media outlets, including CNN, the New York Times, the BBC, and AP.
Tunde Onakoya Net Worth
Tunde Onakoya has an estimated net worth of around $200,000 as of 2024.
