Renowned Nigerian chess champion and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, is set to attempt a 70-hour chess marathon in Times Square, New York, from April 17 to 20, 2025. This bold move aims to break the current Guinness World Record of 61 hours, 3 minutes, and 34 seconds, set by Norwegian players in 2024.
This time, Onakoya isn’t going solo; he’s joined by five young chess prodigies from Nigerian slums, showcasing how talent can thrive when given opportunity.
“We’re not just chasing records. We’re building dreams starting with the biggest free preschool in Africa for homeless children,” Onakoya shared.
The event, in partnership with U.S. National Chess Master Shawn Martinez and non-profit group The Gift of Chess, invites New Yorkers to join, watch, or even challenge the players. The five children will also take part in daily matches during the marathon.
This attempt follows Onakoya’s 2024 60-hour chess record, which garnered widespread attention and support, including praise from Nigerian political leaders and celebrities like Davido, who gifted him a 30BG chain. Though that record was later surpassed, it helped raise $1 million and provide chess sets, education, and scholarships to children across Africa.
Tunde’s journey from learning chess in a barber shop to becoming an international chess advocate reflects a mission far greater than the game itself. As he puts it:
“My dream is to inspire the world and build something lasting for children who have nothing.”
