Nigerian chess master and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, has made history by breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon, alongside U.S. chess master Shawn Martinez.
The dynamic duo officially surpassed the previous record of 61 hours, reaching an astonishing 62 hours of non-stop chess in Times Square, New York City. Their ambitious target is to push beyond 70 hours, setting a new world benchmark.
Onakoya took to X (formerly Twitter) to share the emotional milestone:
“For all the dreamers! We’ve officially broken the record!… Every move, every hour, a love letter to children who’ve never known the luxury of a second chance.”
A Marathon Beyond Chess
The historic event is more than just a record-breaking feat—it’s a powerful initiative aimed at raising global awareness and funding for underprivileged children in Nigeria. Onakoya’s goal is to build the largest free school for homeless children in Nigeria, giving them access to education and new opportunities.
This is not Onakoya’s first foray into chess marathons. In April 2024, he and Martinez completed a 60-hour session, surpassing the previous 56-hour record. But the triumph was short-lived, as Norwegian players pushed it to 61 hours shortly after. Now, exactly a year later, the duo has reclaimed the title—and they’re not stopping yet.
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Onakoya’s journey is a testament to resilience, purpose, and impact, using chess as a tool for transformation and hope.
Why It Matters
This achievement is not just a win for Tunde Onakoya—it’s a victory for Nigeria, for Africa, and for every child longing for a second chance.
NaijaBlogDaily celebrates this remarkable milestone and stands with the Chess in Slums Africa mission.
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