Nigerian chess master Tunde Onakoya, the founder of Chess in Slums Africa, has successfully set a new Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon, exceeding the previous record of 61 hours. Together with U.S. chess master Shawn Martinez, Onakoya surpassed the 62-hour mark on Sunday and is now ambitiously aiming for a total of 70 hours.
“We’ve officially broken the record!” Onakoya celebrated in a post on X.com, expressing his excitement for their achievement. However, he emphasized that the marathon’s purpose extends beyond personal accolades; it seeks to generate awareness and support for establishing a large free school for homeless children in Nigeria.
In an inspiring message, Onakoya stated, “If you had 70 hours to change the world, what would you do? Sometimes the world won’t hand you 70 hours on a golden platter. 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.”
The event, held at the iconic Times Square in New York City, started on Wednesday, April 17, and is projected to conclude on Sunday, April 20. Onakoya described the experience as a “love letter” to children who might not have a chance at a better life. He added, “Every move, every hour, speaks to children who’ve never known the luxury of a second chance.” He urged supporters to join the cause, stating, “If your heart has ever burned for something bigger than yourself, come find us. Stand with us.”
Funds raised from limited edition chess sets designed by Onakoya will contribute directly to the initiative of building a tuition-free school for homeless children, a vision he has nurtured for years. He firmly believes that “no child should ever have their childhood sacrificed for survival. No dream should be buried beneath the weight of poverty.”
This attempt marks Onakoya’s second shot at reclaiming this prestigious title. Previously in April 2024, he completed a 60-hour chess marathon with Martinez, breaking the former record of 56 hours set in 2018 by Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad. Unfortunately, their record was quickly overshadowed by another Norwegian duo who set a new benchmark of 61 hours, 3 minutes, and 34 seconds just two months later in June 2024.
As the marathon continues, it was heartwarming to see Martinez’s wife bring their newborn twins to the event, adding a special moment to the competition. Children were also invited to participate in the chess games during the marathon, highlighting Onakoya’s commitment to involving youth in the event.
With the marathon still in progress, Onakoya and Martinez remain focused on their goal to achieve a 70-hour chess marathon, hoping to set a new world record and inspire others along the way.
