Tunde Onakoya, born October 6, 1994, is a popular Nigerian chess player, coach and founder of Chess in Slums Africa. He has orchestrated numerous interventions for children in various slums across Lagos State, including Majidun (Ikorodu), Makoko, and most recently, Oshodi.
Profile Summary
| Full Name: | Tunde Onakoya |
| Date of Birth: | October 6, 1994 |
| Place of Birth: | Ikorodu |
| State of Origin: | Lagos State |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Occupation: | Chess player |
| Net Worth: | $50,000 |
| Wife: | Not revealed |
Early Life and Education
Facing financial constraints for his secondary education, his mother traded her labor as a cleaner at a school for his tuition fees. Despite these challenges, he rose to become the 13th-ranked chess player in Nigeria.
He pursued a diploma in computer science at Yaba College of Technology, achieving gold medals in the Nigeria Polytechnic Games and the RCCG Chess Championship.
Onakoya also clinched victories at prestigious events like the National Friends of Chess and the Chevron Chess Open.
Career
Tunde Onakoya’s journey with chess began in a barber’s shop in the slums of Ikorodu, Lagos, where he spent his childhood.
His remarkable story caught the attention of CNN African Voices, showcasing his journey from humble beginnings to chess mastery. As a board member of The Gift of Chess, a non-profit based in New York City, Onakoya contributes to spreading the game’s benefits.
On April 20, 2024, Onakoya shattered the world chess marathon record in New York, playing for over 60 consecutive hours. In September 2018, Chess in Slums Africa emerged as a volunteer-driven initiative, aiming to empower underprivileged youth through chess.
Partnering with Chess.com in September 2020, Chess in Slums Africa expanded its reach as an educational tool for classrooms, chess clubs, and parents. By June 2021, the organization had trained over 200 children, securing lifelong scholarships for 20 of them.
In May 2021, Ferdinand, a 10-year-old with cerebral palsy, defied odds to win a chess tournament in Makoko. His inspiring victory led to a meeting and friendly competition with Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos State.
Tunde Onakoya Net Worth
Tunde Onakoya is a popular Nigerian chess player, coach, and Guinness World Record holder with an estimated net worth of $50,000.
Personal Life
Tunde rose to prominence following his Guinness World Record attempt which earned him recognition in the world.
The professional chess player has not revealed anything about his personal life so it is not clear if he is married.