Nigerian chess champion and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, has surpassed the chess marathon record of 61 hours, 3 minutes, and 34 seconds, previously set by Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad in June 2024.
Onakoya, alongside his chess partner Shawn Martinez, is now striving to complete a 70-hour chess marathon in Times Square, New York. The event, which involves four days of continuous gameplay, began on April 17.
In a post shared on X after breaking the record, Onakoya expressed a sense of fulfillment and urged for collective efforts to educate and create opportunities for street children in Nigeria.
“For all the dreamers! We’ve officially BROKEN THE RECORD with my brother,” he wrote.
Although the official confirmation from Guinness World Records is still being awaited, Nigerians and chess lovers from different parts of the world have congratulated the chess master on his latest achievement.
More Than Personal Feat
Onakoya, 30, who gained global recognition in April 2024 for completing a 60-hour chess marathon with Martinez, a US chess master, had earlier revealed that his upcoming attempt was not just about records.
“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.
“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 his record-setting performance in 2024, the Nigerian community in New York turned out in a show of support, offering traditional meals like jollof rice and music. Nigerian superstar, Davido, also publicly supported him and presented him with a 30BG chain.
Back in Nigeria, Vice President Kashim Shettima commended him, stating that his feat was a symbol of “excellence and resilience that distinguishes Nigerians both locally and internationally.”
Similarly, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, highlighted that the attempt was “a strong testimony to how greatness can come from anywhere.”
Tunde Onakoya’s groundbreaking efforts, which included a $1 million fundraising campaign, significantly boosted his Chess in Slums Africa initiative. This movement has provided education and lifelong scholarships to over 200 children across Nigeria. Additionally, the funds supported the distribution of one million chess sets to underprivileged communities, in collaboration with The Gift of Chess.
In a January 2024 interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Onakoya reflected on his upbringing in poverty, emphasizing that the real struggle wasn’t just a lack of money but being deprived of access to education and justice. This formative experience instilled a deep sense of empathy, fueling his passion to uplift others. He expressed a desire to be the kind of mentor he wished for during his youth.
A self-taught chess master, Onakoya discovered the game in a barber’s shop. Raised in humble circumstances by his mother, who worked as a cleaner to fund his education, he later pursued a degree in computer science at Yaba College of Technology.
Onakoya’s journey has earned him national and international recognition. In April 2024, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun appointed him as the state’s sports ambassador, praising his mission as emblematic of the resilience and determination of millions of Nigerian youths striving for a better future.