Nigerian chess master and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, has officially entered the history books — again. On Sunday, April 20, Onakoya broke the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon, clocking an astonishing 64 consecutive hours of play alongside U.S. National Master Shawn Martinez. The marathon took place in the heart of Times Square, New York City.
This new feat surpasses the previous record of 61 hours, 3 minutes, and 34 seconds held by Norwegians Odin Blikra Vea and Askild Bryn, set in June 2024. A Guinness World Records (GWR) official was on hand to confirm and present the plaque, cementing the achievement as official.
“For all the dreamers! We’ve officially BROKEN THE RECORD,” Onakoya shared on social media shortly after the announcement.
But for Onakoya, this isn’t just about setting records — it’s a deeply personal mission with a powerful purpose.
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A Game Played for Something Greater
While the 64-hour chess marathon is a triumph of endurance, strategy, and focus, it is also a fundraising campaign. Onakoya is using the platform to raise $1 million to build a free school for homeless children in Nigeria — a goal that ties directly into his lifelong mission to use chess as a tool for education and empowerment.
“It’s not about chess. It’s about the child in the slum who doesn’t think he’s smart enough,” Onakoya has said in past interviews. “Chess helped me discover who I am. I want it to do the same for them.”
Chess in Slums Africa, the nonprofit he founded, has helped hundreds of children from disadvantaged communities access education, mentorship, and life-changing opportunities through chess.
From Personal Best to Global Best
This marks Onakoya’s second major attempt at the chess marathon record. In April 2024, he set a personal and continental best by playing non-stop for 60 hours — temporarily holding the record before the Norwegians reclaimed it weeks later. This time, he wasn’t just playing to beat others — he was playing to beat himself, and he did just that.
Now, with a new global record of 64 hours under his belt, Onakoya is pushing further. As of Sunday afternoon, he and Martinez had not yet stopped. Their new goal? A round 70 hours.
“We’re going all the way,” Onakoya said on day three of the marathon. “This is for every child who has been told their dreams are too big.”
A Spotlight on African Excellence
The buzz around Onakoya’s achievement has spread quickly, not just in Nigeria but across global chess communities and among education advocates. Messages of support have poured in from chess grandmasters, athletes, celebrities, and everyday Nigerians watching the livestream and following along on social media.
The image of a Nigerian chess master breaking records in Times Square—one of the most iconic and bustling locations in the world—feels symbolic. It’s a powerful statement about African excellence, resilience, and the quiet power of strategy, even in a noisy world.
Read: Tunde Onakoya Breaks Guinness World Record for the Longest Chess Marathon
What’s Next?
With Guinness World Records now officially recognizing the 64-hour achievement, Onakoya’s focus will return to fundraising and educational outreach. His broader mission is to build sustainable, accessible learning environments for vulnerable children across Nigeria — and eventually, across Africa.
As he closes in on his 70-hour stretch, supporters are continuing to donate, cheer, and spread the word. Whether he stops at 64 or hits 70, one thing is certain: Tunde Onakoya has changed the game—again.