Tunde Onakoya, the renowned Nigerian chess maestro and visionary behind the Chess in Slums Africa initiative, has etched his name into global history books after officially breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon. Alongside U.S. chess master Shawn Martinez, Onakoya surpassed the previous 61-hour record on Sunday, April 21, 2025, achieving an astounding 62-hour gameplay streak in New York City’s Times Square.
Not content with simply eclipsing the old milestone, the duo announced their intention to push beyond the 70-hour mark—setting their sights not only on a new record but also on a powerful cause that lies at the heart of this challenge.
A Mission Far Beyond Chess
While the achievement is monumental in the world of chess, Onakoya emphasized that this was more than a game. The marathon was carefully designed to raise global awareness and mobilize resources for a higher purpose: to build Nigeria’s largest free school for homeless and vulnerable children.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Onakoya declared, “For all the dreamers! We’ve officially broken the record!” Yet, he made it clear that the real victory was giving voice and visibility to the quiet struggle of underprivileged children who remain largely forgotten.
As the marathon continued past the 50-hour mark, the message behind each move grew louder. Onakoya noted, “If you had 70 hours to change the world, what would you do? 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.”
Every Move, A Symbol of Hope
Standing beneath the bright lights of Times Square, Onakoya and Martinez transformed each chess move into a symbol of hope. The pair played tirelessly under the watch of fans, volunteers, and a global audience tuned in online—each spectator witnessing a journey fueled not by glory, but by compassion.
Onakoya continued to share his motivations throughout the challenge, explaining, “Every move, every hour, a love letter to children who’ve never known the luxury of a second chance. If your heart has ever burned for something bigger than yourself, come find us. Stand with us.”
This deeply personal drive has resonated with millions, with global donations and messages of support pouring in for the education project. The campaign’s aim is to create sustainable change through a free institution that will serve homeless and out-of-school children in Nigeria, offering them a second chance at life through learning.
A Long Road to Glory
This record-breaking feat marks the culmination of a journey that began over a year ago. In April 2024, Onakoya and Martinez completed a grueling 60-hour chess marathon, briefly holding the world record, which at the time surpassed the standing 56-hour achievement set in 2018. However, their record was soon overtaken just two months later by two Norwegian players who stretched the benchmark to 61 hours.
Rather than discouraging them, the loss only intensified their resolve. The duo returned to the board with renewed determination and a broader mission—this time, not just to win back the title but to inspire real-world change.
This second attempt has now proven successful, positioning Onakoya and Martinez not only as elite endurance chess players but as humanitarians using their platform to uplift the next generation.
Global Impact of a Local Hero
Tunde Onakoya’s influence extends well beyond the chessboard. As the founder of Chess in Slums Africa, he has dedicated his life to using chess as a tool for transforming the lives of marginalized children across the continent. His work has already impacted thousands of young people, offering them access to education, mentorship, and the belief that greatness can rise from the most unlikely places.
This latest world record attempt adds to a growing legacy of purpose-driven activism. Onakoya has long argued that the game of chess mirrors life, requiring strategy, discipline, resilience, and vision—all qualities he aims to instill in the children he serves.
What Comes Next
As Onakoya and Martinez continue to push toward the 70-hour mark, supporters around the world remain captivated not just by the unfolding chess match but by the powerful message it carries.
Once verified by Guinness World Records, this new milestone will officially cement their place in history. But for Onakoya, the true victory lies in what the marathon represents: hope, education, and the power of dreams.
With millions now watching, donating, and sharing his mission, the impact of this record is already rippling far beyond Times Square. It is reaching classrooms yet to be built, children yet to discover their potential, and communities yet to rise from hardship.
In breaking this record, Tunde Onakoya has done more than make chess history—he has reminded the world that every move made with purpose can change a life.
