Nigerian chess champion and humanitarian, Tunde Onakoya, has officially broken the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon. Onakoya, alongside U.S. chess master Shawn Martinez, reached an incredible 62 hours of nonstop chess play on Sunday, April 21—surpassing the previous record of 61 hours.
The marathon began on Wednesday, April 17, at the iconic Times Square in New York City and continues as the duo aims to push beyond 70 hours, setting their sights on an even more remarkable milestone.
While breaking the world record is a monumental achievement, Onakoya emphasized that the true purpose of the marathon is far more profound. The event is a powerful campaign to raise awareness and funds for what he envisions as Nigeria’s largest free school for homeless children.
In a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote:
“For all the dreamers! We’ve officially broken the record!”
He followed with a deeper message about the mission behind the feat:
“Every move, every hour, a love letter to children who’ve never known the luxury of a second chance… 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 is Onakoya’s second attempt at the prestigious world record. In April 2024, he and Martinez completed a 60-hour chess marathon, briefly holding the title before it was surpassed two months later by Norwegian players who reached 61 hours.
Now, a year later, the duo has not only reclaimed the title but also renewed their commitment to creating change through chess and compassion.
Onakoya’s achievement is being celebrated not just as a triumph in the world of chess, but as a beacon of hope for millions of children lacking educational opportunities. His story continues to inspire a generation of dreamers, changemakers, and those who believe in making impact with every move—on the board and in life.
As the clock ticks and the chess pieces continue to move, Onakoya invites the world to join the cause:
“If your heart has ever burned for something bigger than yourself, come find us. Stand with us.”
For updates and to support the mission, visit Chess in Slums Africa or follow Tunde Onakoya on social media.
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