Nigerian chess master and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, has successfully completed a 64-hour chess marathon in Times Square, setting a new benchmark for the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon.
The event, which began on Thursday, April 17, and ended on Sunday, April 20, saw Onakoya playing continuous chess alongside American chess master Shawn Martinez. The previous record stood at 61 hours, 03 minutes and 34 seconds, set by Norwegians Askild Bryn and Odin Blikra Vea on 4 June 2024
This isn’t Onakoya’s first time in the spotlight—he previously set a 60-hour record in 2024. The attempt was about more than just chess: Onakoya aimed to raise $1 million to support education for underprivileged children in Nigeria by building the largest free school for homeless kids.
Supporters gathered in Times Square and tuned in globally to cheer him on, while the chess community praised his endurance, skill, and philanthropic mission.
The Guinness World Records organization is currently reviewing the attempt. An official confirmation is expected soon.
Onakoya’s record-breaking feat emphasizes his mission to use chess as a powerful tool for education and social change across Africa, which has already seen him elevate children from the slums to unthinkable heights.
