Tunde Onakoya sets new Guinness World Record for longest chess marathon
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Tunde Onakoya, a celebrated Nigerian chess master and the visionary founder of Chess in Slums Africa, has achieved a remarkable feat by breaking the prestigious Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon. This monumental achievement has once again placed Nigeria on the global map for excellence and determination.

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On Sunday, April 20, 2025, Onakoya alongside U.S. chess master Shawn Martinez, officially surpassed the previous record of 61 hours, extending their gameplay to an impressive 62 hours and still counting. The record-breaking attempt took place in the heart of Times Square, New York City, drawing attention from chess enthusiasts, Nigerians in the diaspora, international media, and well-wishers from around the world.

Tunde Onakoya.

Having officially broken the standing record, the duo is determined to push even further, setting their sights on an ambitious target of completing a 70-hour chess marathon—a new milestone that would not only secure their names in history but also inspire millions of young Africans and chess lovers globally.

Taking to his official handle on X (formerly Twitter), Onakoya joyfully expressed his excitement after surpassing the previous mark, stating: “For all the dreamers! We’ve officially broken the record!” His message has since gone viral, with thousands of fans, celebrities, and supporters congratulating him and Shawn Martinez on the incredible accomplishment.

However, beyond breaking a world record, Tunde emphasized the deeper purpose behind this marathon chess event. The primary objective is to raise awareness and generate funds to build Nigeria’s largest free school for homeless and underprivileged children—a cause close to his heart, as it aligns with his lifelong mission of transforming lives through chess and education.

The chess marathon officially commenced on Wednesday, April 17, 2025, at Broadway Plaza between 47th and 48th Street in Times Square, a location symbolic of ambition, dreams, and resilience. For Onakoya, this attempt is more than a personal accomplishment; it’s a call to action for everyone who believes in creating opportunities for the less privileged.

Throughout the marathon, Onakoya shared a series of heartfelt and inspiring messages, one of which read: “If you had 70 hours to change the world, what would you do? Sometimes, you have to carve it out of your own breath, your own becoming. Not for applause. Not for records. But for the quiet dreamers who need to see someone leap—so they know it’s possible to fly.”

He continued with another powerful statement: “Every move, every hour, a love letter to children who’ve never known the luxury of a second chance. If your heart has ever burned for something bigger than yourself, come find us. Stand with us.” His words have resonated across social media and international communities, sparking conversations about the role of sports and charity in nation-building.

This latest world record-breaking attempt marks Tunde Onakoya’s second try at the prestigious title. In April 2024, he completed a 60-hour chess marathon alongside Martinez, surpassing the previous 56-hour record set in 2018. Unfortunately, just two months after that feat, a pair of Norwegian players extended the record to 61 hours.

Now, exactly a year later, Onakoya and Martinez have returned, more determined than ever, to reclaim the title and establish a new, inspiring benchmark for future generations. This time, their target is a groundbreaking 70-hour chess marathon, and supporters from across the globe have continued to cheer them on, both physically at the venue and virtually through live streams and social media.

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