Nigerian chess champion and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, has announced a monumental achievement: he has reportedly broken the Guinness World Record for the longest continuous chess marathon.1 The celebrated feat occurred in the bustling heart of New York City’s Times Square, where Onakoya embarked on a grueling 70-hour chess marathon alongside his friend, Shawn Martinez.
On Sunday, April 20, 2025, Onakoya took to social media platform X to share his elation with the world, posting, “For all the dreamers! We’ve officially BROKEN THE RECORD ❤️🇳🇬” accompanied by a photograph displaying the triumphant message “RECORD BROKEN.”
The marathon, which commenced last Thursday, saw Onakoya surpass the previous record of 61 hours, 3 minutes, and 34 seconds set in 2024 by Norwegian chess players Odin Blikra Vea and Askild Bryn. Having crossed the 62-hour mark, Onakoya and Martinez are determined to continue playing until they reach their ambitious 70-hour goal. This extended effort aims to amplify their fundraising efforts to support the noble cause of building free schools for underprivileged children across Africa.
Onakoya articulated his motivation, stating, “Doing this for the dreams of millions of children across Africa without access to education.” His organization, Chess in Slums Africa, is renowned for leveraging the strategic game of chess as a powerful tool for education and empowerment within low-income communities, nurturing talent and fostering opportunities for disadvantaged youth.2
It’s worth noting that this isn’t Onakoya’s first foray into record-breaking chess endeavors. In April 2024, he completed a 60-hour chess marathon, exceeding the previous 56-hour record established in 2018 by Norwegians Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad. However, that earlier achievement did not receive official recognition at the time.
While Onakoya’s latest accomplishment has been widely celebrated, it’s important to note that his claim to the Guinness World Record remains subject to thorough verification and official confirmation by the Guinness World Records organization.
The announcement on X, accompanied by the hashtags #ThankYou, #70HoursofChessWithTunde, #ChessForEducation, #GWR2025, and #DreamersFila, has ignited widespread admiration and support for Onakoya’s dedication to both the game of chess and his philanthropic mission.
