Nigerian chess master and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, has embarked on a new attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon, aiming to play non-stop for 70 hours
This latest challenge follows his record-setting feat in April 2024, when he played for 60 hours straight at New York City’s Times Square alongside U.S. chess champion Shawn Martinez. That marathon not only earned global recognition but also raised significant funds and awareness for the education of underprivileged children across Africa.
Onakoya’s efforts are deeply personal. Having grown up in the slums of Ikorodu in Lagos, he understands the struggles of poverty firsthand. Through his non-profit, Chess in Slums Africa, he has transformed the lives of hundreds of children from marginalized communities like Makoko and Oshodi—using chess as a tool to teach literacy, critical thinking, and resilience.
The 70-hour chess marathon is more than just a bid for a world record; it’s a powerful symbol of hope and determination. With each move on the board, Onakoya continues to champion a future where every child, regardless of background, has the chance to dream and achieve.
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