Tunde Onakoya, 30, Sets New World Record with 64-Hour Chess Marathon for African Education

Nigerian chess master and humanitarian, Tunde Onakoya, 30, has set a new Guinness World Record after completing a 64-hour chess marathon in New York City’s Times Square a historic feat driven by a mission to transform lives through education.

Onakoya, founder of the non-profit Chess in Slums Africa, partnered with U.S. chess champion Shawn Martinez for the grueling challenge.

The two began the marathon on April 17, pushing through fatigue, cold, and rain to finish 64 consecutive hours of gameplay in the early hours of April 20. This accomplishment surpasses the previous record of 61 hours, 3 minutes, and 34 seconds set in 2024.

The record attempt doubled as a fundraiser, with Onakoya announcing a bold goal of raising $1 million to support educational initiatives for underprivileged children across Africa.

His initiative, Chess in Slums Africa, uses the game of chess as a tool to empower children in low-income communities, teaching critical thinking, problem-solving, and life skills.

“This is not just about chess,” Onakoya said during the event. “It’s about creating a future where every child, no matter where they come from, has the opportunity to dream and achieve.”

The event attracted widespread attention and support. Nigerian celebrities like Davido and Adekunle Gold voiced encouragement on social media, while former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo praised Onakoya’s resilience and vision.

Passersby in Times Square gathered throughout the marathon to cheer the players on, and a live stream of the event drew global viewers.

Under Guinness rules, the players were allowed five-minute breaks every hour, which they could accumulate. Despite the exhausting conditions, Onakoya remained focused and energized by the mission behind the challenge.

The Guinness World Records organization is expected to officially confirm the new record in the coming weeks after reviewing documentation and footage.

With this achievement, Onakoya not only adds another accolade to his name but also strengthens the movement to transform lives through chess.

His journey from the slums of Lagos to the world stage is a testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and the impact one individual can make.