Nigerian chess champion and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, has officially broken the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon after playing non-stop for 64 hours at Times Square, New York.
Onakoya and his playing partner, Puerto Rican chess master Shawn Martinez, shattered the previous record of 61 hours, 3 minutes, and 34 seconds set by Norwegian duo Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad in June 2024. The record-setting feat, which began on April 17 and concluded on April 20, 2025, was originally targeted at 70 hours but was triumphantly stopped at 64 hours due to physical demands.
In a celebratory post on X (formerly Twitter), Onakoya wrote: “It is possible to do great things from a small place,” alongside photos of the emotional moment. The official Guinness World Records certificate confirms the achievement, recognizing both Onakoya and Martinez as record holders.
A Mission Beyond the Board
This remarkable achievement goes far beyond personal glory. For the 30-year-old Lagos native, the attempt was deeply rooted in purpose. Speaking before the marathon, Onakoya said, “We’re not just doing this for ourselves—we’re doing it for a million dreams. We want to build the biggest preschool in Africa for homeless children.”
He emphasized that enduring days without sleep wasn’t the hardest part. “The hardest part isn’t staying awake for three days—because a million dreams will do that. We need the world’s support to make this vision a reality.”
Backed by a Nation and a Global Community
Throughout the marathon, Times Square became a hub of cultural pride and global support. Onakoya received encouragement from the Nigerian community in New York, who brought traditional food like jollof rice and played local music to keep the spirits high.
Nigerian music icon Davido, who previously supported Onakoya’s 60-hour marathon in 2024, once again rallied behind him. During the 2024 attempt, Davido had gifted him a symbolic 30BG chain in support of his cause.
Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, also commended Onakoya, describing his perseverance as a “symbol of excellence and resilience that distinguishes Nigerians both locally ands internationally.” Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu added that Onakoya’s efforts were “a strong testimony to how greatness can come from anywhere.”
From Humble Beginnings to Global Impact
Tunde Onakoya’s journey from growing up in poverty in Lagos to becoming a global chess ambassador is both inspiring and impactful. He learned chess at a local barber’s shop and went on to study computer science at Yaba College of Technology, thanks to his mother’s relentless efforts as a cleaner to support his education.
His non-profit, Chess in Slums Africa, has already transformed the lives of over 200 children across Nigeria by providing education and lifelong scholarships. The initiative also partnered with The Gift of Chess to distribute one million chess sets to underserved communities.
In a January 2024 interview on Channels TV, Onakoya reflected on his mission: “Growing up poor didn’t just mean lacking money—it meant lacking access to education and justice. That’s what I’m fighting to change.”
In April 2024, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun named Onakoya a state sports ambassador, recognizing his movement as a beacon of hope for Nigerian youth.