Nigerian chess champion and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, has surpassed the world record for the longest chess marathon, previously held by Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad.
The former record stood at 61 hours, 3 minutes, and 34 seconds, and was set in June 2024.
Onakoya and his chess partner, US Chess Master Shawn Martinez, are continuing their effort to reach a 70-hour milestone in Times Square, New York. The chess marathon, which spans four days of continuous play, began on April 17.
Shortly after breaking the existing record, Onakoya took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his emotions and reiterate the mission behind the attempt.
“For all the dreamers! We’ve officially BROKEN THE RECORD with my brother,” he wrote.
Although Guinness World Records has yet to officially confirm the feat, the achievement has drawn congratulatory messages from across the world. Fans, fellow Nigerians, and chess enthusiasts have lauded Onakoya’s perseverance and the impact of his work.
Now 30, Onakoya had previously gained international recognition in April 2024 for completing a 60-hour chess marathon with Martinez. Speaking about his new endeavor, he emphasized that the goal extended beyond accolades.
“We’re not just doing this for ourselves—we’re doing it for a million dreams. We want to build the biggest preschool in Africa for homeless children,” he said.
“The hardest part isn’t staying awake for three days—because a million dreams will do that. But now, more than ever, we need everyone’s support. If you’re in New York, show up at Times Square. Come support us. Help us inspire the world and show the world that it is indeed possible to do great things from a small place.
“My dream is to inspire the world and raise support to build the biggest free school for homeless children in Nigeria,” he added.
During this latest marathon, the Nigerian community in New York rallied in support. Traditional dishes like jollof rice were served, and musical performances energized the crowd. Nigerian music star Davido also showed his solidarity by gifting Onakoya a 30BG chain.
In Nigeria, Vice President Kashim Shettima praised Onakoya’s achievement as a testament to the “excellence and resilience that distinguishes Nigerians both locally and internationally.” Similarly, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu commended the initiative as “a strong testimony to how greatness can come from anywhere.”
Onakoya’s earlier record-setting event was also a fundraiser, generating $1 million for his Chess in Slums Africa initiative. The funds supported the distribution of one million chess sets to underserved communities through a partnership with The Gift of Chess, and provided scholarships and educational opportunities to more than 200 children across Nigeria.
Speaking in a January 2024 interview with Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Onakoya shared how growing up in poverty shaped his worldview. He said it wasn’t just about financial hardship, but being excluded from access to education and justice—an experience that now fuels his commitment to empowering others.
A self-taught chess master, Onakoya learned the game in a local barber’s shop. Raised in Lagos by a mother who worked as a cleaner to support his education, he later studied computer science at Yaba College of Technology.
His inspiring journey has earned him widespread recognition. In April 2024, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun appointed him as the state’s sports ambassador, stating that Onakoya’s mission represents the struggles and aspirations of millions of Nigerian youth striving for a better future.
