On Sunday night, the 2024 Trendupp Awards erupted into a high-stakes clash as popular social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, and Guinness World Record-holding chess master Tunde Onakoya battled for gongs, alongside others.
The Trendupp Awards is well-known for highlighting influencers, content creators, and brands who succeed at leveraging social media across various fields and platforms.
This event honors the brave and inventive efforts of content producers and digital influencers who push the limits of online interaction.
In April, Onakoya made headlines when he broke the world record for the longest chess marathon in Times Square, New York City, by playing for more than 58 hours.
VeryDarkMan, on the other hand, is an active opponent of social vices, using his position to speak out against injustices and drive societal change.
Tunde Onakoya and VeryDarkMan both competed in the extremely competitive ‘Force For Social Good’ category at the Trendupp Awards.
They competed against well-known people such as Nigeria’s leading health influencer Aproko Doctor, Kokun Foundation’s philanthropic founder Adepeju Olukokun, renowned humanitarian Osita Popcorn, and dance choreographer and humanitarian Seyi Oluyole.
Videos circulating online capture the electrifying moment when the announcer unveiled the nominees for the ‘Force For Social Good’ category.
As she baited the audience by introducing VeryDarkMan’s name, thunderous applause and eagerness erupted.
Netizens were shocked and outraged by the bizarre decision to award a chess player the social media activism prise over VeryDarkMan, whose bold struggle against injustice has deeply impacted many lives.
Several ardent fans believe Tunde Onakoya was actually deserving of the Award.
But just as the excitement hit its peak, she dramatically pivoted, announcing Tunde Onakoya as the winner.
