Onakoya Sets New 64-Hour World Record In Chess Marathon

Nigerian chess champion and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, has established a new world record for a 64-hour chess marathon. This achievement, accomplished alongside his chess partner Shawn Martinez in Times Square, New York, surpasses the previous record of 61 hours, 3 minutes, and 34 seconds, which was set by Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad in June 2024. The marathon, which aimed for a target of 70 hours, commenced on April 17 and spanned four continuous days of play.

In a post on his X account, where he shared images of this remarkable accomplishment, Onakoya stated, “It is possible to do great things from a small place.” The official Guinness World Records certificate, shared by Onakoya, confirmed the new record, stating, “The longest chess marathon was achieved by Tunde Onakoya (Nigeria) and Shawn Martinez.”

At 30 years old, Onakoya gained international fame in April 2024 for completing a 60-hour chess marathon with US chess master Martinez. He previously expressed that this latest endeavor was not solely about breaking records. “We’re not just doing this for ourselves—we’re doing it for a million dreams. We want to build the largest preschool in Africa for homeless children.”

He emphasized, “The most challenging aspect isn’t staying awake for three days—because a million dreams will drive that. But now, more than ever, we need everyone’s support. If you’re in New York, come to Times Square. Join us in inspiring the world and demonstrating that it is indeed possible to achieve great things from humble beginnings.”

Onakoya further shared, “My dream is to inspire the world and gather support to establish the largest free school for homeless children in Nigeria.” During his record-setting event in 2024, the Nigerian community in New York rallied in support, providing traditional dishes such as jollof rice and music. Additionally, Nigerian superstar Davido publicly endorsed him and gifted him a 30BG chain.

In Nigeria, Vice President Kashim Shettima praised him, noting that his achievement represents “excellence and resilience that sets Nigerians apart both at home and abroad.”

Likewise, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu emphasized that this endeavor serves as “a powerful testament to the fact that greatness can emerge from any place.” This initial initiative, which also functioned as a $1 million fundraising effort, significantly advanced Onakoya’s Chess in Slums Africa project—a movement he claims has offered education and lifelong scholarships to more than 200 children throughout Nigeria. The funds raised were additionally utilized to distribute 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 how his upbringing in poverty instilled in him a sense of empathy, explaining that the true hardship was not merely the absence of money, but the lack of access to education and justice. He expressed that this background fuels his desire to assist others, stating that he aspires to be the kind of person he needed during his youth.

A self-taught chess master, Onakoya learned the game in a barber shop. Raised in humble conditions by a mother who worked as a cleaner to fund his education, he later pursued a degree in computer science at Yaba College of Technology.

Throughout his journey, the Lagos-born chess champion has garnered both national and international recognition. In April 2024, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun appointed him as the state’s sports ambassador, drawing parallels between his mission and the struggles faced by millions of Nigerian youths striving to improve their lives.