Tunde Onakoya, the founder of the Chess in Slums Africa initiative, is preparing for a monumental challenge in the heart of New York City. On April 17, 2025, he will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon by playing non-stop for 70 hours at Times Square, New York. This ambitious effort is not only a bid for the record but also an opportunity to raise awareness and garner support for a noble cause: building the largest free school for homeless children in Nigeria.
In a recent post on social media, Onakoya shared his plans, writing, “There is a new world record for 61 hours set by two Norwegian players. On the 17th of April, we will attempt to break that record and set a new one for 70 hours.” He went on to explain that the main goal of the event is to inspire others and raise funds for the school project in Nigeria, which will serve as a beacon of hope for children who have no access to formal education due to homelessness.
The 70-hour chess marathon will take place in one of the world’s busiest public spaces, Times Square, and will be a spectacle for both chess enthusiasts and passersby. Onakoya emphasized that the event will not just be about setting a world record, but also about involving and inspiring the children from the Chess in Slums initiative, who will be joining him during the challenge. Though they will only play for a few hours, their participation highlights the initiative’s aim to empower children in underprivileged communities through chess.
“It is a dream to show the world that even those from the smallest places can achieve great things,” Onakoya said. His Chess in Slums initiative has been instrumental in giving underprivileged children in Nigeria a chance to excel through chess, and this marathon represents the next step in his mission to empower them further.
The Gift of Chess, a non-profit organization, also confirmed Onakoya’s 70-hour chess challenge, stating, “Starting April 17th, #Tunde_OD & #CoachShawnMar will attempt 70 Hours of Non-Stop Chess in the Heart of Times Square, NYC. They are aiming to break their previous record of 60 hours and surpass the current Guinness World Record of 61 hours, 3 minutes, and 34 seconds set by two Norwegian players.”
Onakoya’s 70-hour chess marathon is not his first attempt at the Guinness World Record. In April 2024, he and U.S. chess master Shawn Martinez embarked on a 60-hour marathon, successfully surpassing the previous 56-hour record set by the Norwegian duo Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad in 2018. However, their achievement was short-lived as another Norwegian pair broke their record by setting a new mark of 61 hours, 3 minutes, and 34 seconds in June 2024.
The upcoming 70-hour challenge will see Onakoya team up with Martinez again, who has been a key figure in Onakoya’s previous record attempts. Martinez is a seasoned U.S. chess master known for his endurance and skill, making him an ideal partner for this grueling task. The duo is confident that they can surpass the current record and make history once again.
While the challenge may seem daunting, Onakoya is determined to not only break the record but also to shine a spotlight on the struggles faced by homeless children in Nigeria. The planned school will aim to provide free education to children who have been deprived of it due to their circumstances. Education, Onakoya believes, is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and giving these children the opportunity to create better futures for themselves.
Through the Chess in Slums Africa initiative, Onakoya has used the game of chess as a tool for social change, teaching children valuable life skills such as critical thinking, patience, and discipline. The initiative has garnered widespread recognition for its work in empowering Nigerian youth, and Onakoya’s upcoming challenge is expected to bring even more attention to the cause.
While the chess marathon will be a physically and mentally demanding feat, Onakoya is well-prepared. He has undergone months of training, focusing not only on his chess strategies but also on his physical endurance to withstand the long hours of play. His determination to break the record is fueled by his passion for both chess and the cause he represents.
In addition to raising awareness for the school, Onakoya’s marathon is expected to spark conversations around the importance of investing in education for the underprivileged. With support from donors, philanthropists, and chess enthusiasts, the goal is to build a state-of-the-art school that will provide a safe space for homeless children to learn and grow. The project will also aim to create opportunities for these children to discover and nurture their talents, whether in chess or other areas of interest.
The event will be livestreamed for a global audience, allowing people from all over the world to witness the historic attempt. Those in New York City will also have the opportunity to visit Times Square and watch the chess players in action, creating an interactive and engaging experience for the public.
Onakoya’s challenge is more than just about setting a world record; it’s about using a global stage to make a difference in the lives of disadvantaged children. Through his perseverance and dedication, Onakoya hopes to inspire others to support the cause and contribute to the building of a better future for the homeless children in Nigeria.
As the countdown to the event begins, anticipation is building around the world, especially in Nigeria, where Onakoya’s work is having a lasting impact. His efforts to use chess as a platform for social change have earned him recognition both locally and internationally, and his upcoming marathon is expected to add to his growing legacy.
For those in New York City, the 70-hour chess marathon in Times Square is not just an event to watch; it’s a chance to be part of something bigger. Onakoya’s determination to break the Guinness World Record while raising awareness for the homeless children in Nigeria demonstrates the power of combining passion with purpose.
In a world where many are disconnected from the struggles of others, Tunde Onakoya is showing that a game as simple as chess can make a world of difference.
