Nigerian chess champion and social impact advocate, Tunde Onakoya, has etched his name into the history books by setting a new world record for the longest chess marathon — an incredible 64-hour streak played in the heart of Times Square, New York.
Teaming up with U.S. chess master Shawn Martinez, the duo surpassed the previous record of 61 hours, 3 minutes, and 34 seconds set by Norway’s Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad in June 2024. Their four-day, non-stop chess marathon, which began on April 17, originally aimed for 70 hours but ended triumphantly at 64.
Onakoya, founder of the widely acclaimed Chess in Slums Africa initiative, shared the news on X (formerly Twitter) with a powerful message: “It is possible to do great things from a small place.”
The official Guinness World Records certificate, shared by Onakoya, reads: “The longest chess marathon was achieved by Tunde Onakoya (Nigeria) and Shawn Martinez (Puerto Rico) in Times Square, New York, New York, USA from 17 to 20 April 2025.”
Beyond the Board: A mission of hope
For 30-year-old Onakoya, this feat was never just about breaking a record—it was about breaking barriers.
“We’re not just doing this for ourselves—we’re doing it for a million dreams,” he said in a pre-event statement. “Our goal is to build the biggest free preschool in Africa for homeless children.”
Fueled by a sense of purpose, he added: “The hardest part isn’t staying awake for three days. A million dreams will keep you going. But we can’t do it alone. If you’re in New York, show up. Help us inspire the world.”
Onakoya’s movement has always combined chess with purpose. His previous 60-hour marathon in April 2024, also with Martinez, was both a personal achievement and a $1 million fundraising campaign to support education and distribute one million chess sets across underserved communities through a partnership with The Gift of Chess.
Community, culture, and celebration
The Nigerian community in New York showed up in full force throughout the event, bringing food, music, and a sense of home. From jollof rice to Afrobeat rhythms, the celebration of culture was palpable. Superstar Davido also made an appearance, gifting Onakoya a 30BG chain in support of his efforts.
Back in Nigeria, the feat drew high praise from national leaders. Vice President Kashim Shettima lauded Onakoya for showcasing the “excellence and resilience” that defines Nigerians globally, while Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu called the record “a strong testimony to how greatness can come from anywhere.”
A story rooted in resilience
Onakoya’s journey is nothing short of inspirational. Raised in a low-income neighborhood in Lagos by a mother who worked as a cleaner to support his education, he learned chess in a barber’s shop, eventually becoming a self-taught master. He studied computer science at Yaba College of Technology, but it was chess that would become his tool for transformation—not just for himself, but for hundreds of children like him.
In a January 2024 interview, he reflected: “Growing up in poverty taught me that the real pain isn’t just the absence of money—it’s being cut off from opportunities like education and justice. I want to be the person I needed when I was younger.”
Through Chess in Slums Africa, Onakoya has helped over 200 children access education and long-term scholarships. His work continues to gain international acclaim, with Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun naming him a sports ambassador and praising him as a symbol of hope for Nigeria’s youth.
