Nigerian chess master Tunde Onakoya, the founder of Chess in Slums Africa, has once again etched his name in history by breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon. On Sunday morning, April 19, 2025, Onakoya, alongside American chess champion Shawn Martinez, surpassed the previous 61-hour record in a thrilling display of endurance and skill.
The chess marathon, which began on Wednesday, April 17, 2025, in the heart of New York City’s iconic Times Square, is now pushing towards an ambitious target of 70 hours. The marathon event, which continues until Sunday, April 20, is not just about setting a world record but is also part of a larger cause to raise awareness and funds for homeless children in Nigeria.
As the duo crossed the 61-hour mark, the atmosphere in Times Square was electric, with spectators and supporters gathered around to witness the momentous achievement. Onakoya shared the excitement with his followers on X (formerly Twitter), announcing, “For all the dreamers! We’ve officially broken the record!” His tweet quickly went viral, garnering support from fans and admirers around the world.
However, the chess marathon is about far more than just personal achievement. Onakoya has used the event as a platform to draw attention to a cause close to his heart: the establishment of Nigeria’s largest tuition-free school for homeless children. “It’s been over 50 hours of chess beneath the lights of Times Square. Every move, every hour, a love letter to children who’ve never known the luxury of a second chance,” Onakoya wrote in a heartfelt post during the marathon. “If your heart has ever burned for something bigger than yourself, come find us. Stand with us.”
The message behind the marathon is clear: Onakoya is not only chasing records but is also using the global stage to advocate for the less fortunate and to give back to his community. Through this initiative, he hopes to provide a better future for children who face the harsh realities of homelessness and poverty.
Onakoya’s goal is to raise funds to build the first large-scale, tuition-free school for homeless children in Nigeria. To achieve this, he is selling limited edition chess sets, with proceeds going directly toward the school’s construction and operations. “Because no child should ever have their childhood sacrificed for survival,” he emphasized, adding that the marathon was as much about community support and fundraising as it was about breaking the world record.
This marks Onakoya’s second attempt at breaking the marathon chess record. In April 2024, he and Martinez completed a 60-hour chess marathon, surpassing the previous record of 56 hours set by Norwegian duo Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad in 2018. However, their record was overtaken just two months later by another Norwegian pair, who set the new benchmark at 61 hours, 3 minutes, and 34 seconds.
This time, Onakoya is determined to set a record that will stand for much longer. With a target of 70 hours, the duo is pushing their physical and mental limits, showcasing their endurance and passion for both chess and the children they aim to support.
Throughout the marathon, Onakoya has reflected on the personal and symbolic significance of the challenge. In one emotional post, he shared, “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.”
This powerful message resonates with many of Onakoya’s supporters, who see his efforts not just as a personal challenge but as an inspiration to others. By pushing the boundaries of what seems possible, Onakoya and Martinez are demonstrating that dreams can be achieved, even when the odds are stacked against you.
The marathon has also featured moments of joy and connection. One of the most heart-warming moments occurred when Martinez’s wife and their newborn twins visited the event. The sight of the young family brought a sense of warmth to the event, reminding everyone of the human side of the marathon. Children were also invited to briefly participate, adding to the educational and community-driven spirit behind the event.
The chess marathon has gained international attention, with people from around the world tuning in to watch Onakoya and Martinez play. Times Square, known for its bustling energy and iconic billboards, has become the perfect setting for this historic event. The visibility of the marathon has brought attention not only to the world record attempt but also to the important cause that Onakoya is championing.
Supporters from all corners of the globe have shared messages of encouragement, while others have donated to the fundraising efforts. The global response to the marathon reflects the growing recognition of Onakoya’s impact as a chess player, philanthropist, and social entrepreneur. Through Chess in Slums Africa, Onakoya has worked to bring chess to underprivileged children in Nigeria, offering them a chance to engage in the game while also providing a path to education and personal growth.
With the 70-hour mark in sight, Onakoya and Martinez are determined to finish strong. The event has already surpassed its original goals, but the work is far from over. Onakoya has spoken of his long-term vision for Chess in Slums Africa, where he hopes to expand his work and continue offering hope to children who otherwise would not have the opportunity to thrive.
“This is just the beginning,” Onakoya said in a statement. “We’re not stopping here. We want to change the lives of as many children as we can. And we’re going to keep fighting, on and off the chessboard, until we see that dream realized.”
As the marathon nears its conclusion, the focus remains on both the record and the cause. Onakoya and Martinez’s efforts serve as a powerful reminder of the potential for sport and education to make a difference in the world. For Onakoya, the ultimate goal is not just to set records but to change lives.
