Nigerian chess icon and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, has launched his second attempt to break the Guinness World Record (GWR) for the longest chess marathon, aiming for an impressive 70-hour nonstop session. The marathon kicked off on Thursday at the iconic Times Square in New York City, with Onakoya determined to play uninterrupted chess for 70 hours without losing a single game.
Under GWR rules, Onakoya is allowed only a five-minute break every hour throughout the marathon. In a video shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Onakoya can be seen surrounded by a cheering crowd of supporters, with a countdown to the challenge displayed on his page. The enthusiasm from his fans and the inspiring cause behind the challenge have added a sense of urgency and purpose to this extraordinary attempt.
Beyond breaking the record, Onakoya’s motivation for the marathon is deeply tied to his mission of raising funds and awareness for building free schools for homeless children across Nigeria. The initiative is part of his Chess in Slums Africa program, which seeks to provide opportunities for underprivileged children through education and chess. Onakoya, who grew up in similar circumstances, believes that chess can serve as a powerful tool to inspire, teach life skills, and create opportunities for young people.
This isn’t Onakoya’s first attempt at a world record. In April 2024, he completed a 60-hour chess marathon alongside American chess master Shawn Martinez, surpassing the previous record of 56 hours set by Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad in 2018. Although the attempt was a remarkable achievement, the Guinness World Records did not officially recognize it. Instead, the record was awarded to Norwegians Odin Blikra Vea and Askild Bryn after they played for 61 hours, 3 minutes, and 34 seconds.
Undeterred by the setback, Onakoya is back at the board, aiming for an unprecedented 70-hour session. This time, he is accompanied by five children from his Chess in Slums Africa program, each of whom has demonstrated exceptional skill and determination. These young talents, Onakoya notes proudly, are living proof that greatness can come from humble beginnings.
As the marathon progresses, Onakoya’s supporters are rallying behind him, not only to see a new world record set but also to support his mission to provide education and empowerment for homeless children across Nigeria. This bold endeavor underscores the power of sports and education in changing lives, as Onakoya continues to use chess as a platform for social impact.
