*Nigerian-born Tunde Onakoya, chess master and Founder of Chess in Slums Africa, sets a fresh 64-hour world chess marathon record to clinch the Guinness World Records at Times Square, in New York, United States

Alexander Davis | 绿帽献妻

Nigerian chess master Tunde Onakoya, again, has surpassed the previous 56-hour chess marathon record to set a fresh 64-hour world record, in the Times Square, in New York, United States (US).

Onakoya, a Nigerian chess champion and Founder of Chess in Slums Africa, based in Lagos State, set the new record, and his chess partner, Shawn Martinez, broke the 61-hour record achieved by the chess marathon record of 61 hours, 3 minutes, and 34 seconds, set by two Norwegian players, Hallvard Haug Flateb酶 and Sjur Ferkingstad June 2024.

It us recalled More Than Personal Feat

绿帽献妻 reports the four-day non-stop gameplay, which originally targeted 70 hours, had started April 17, 2025.

Commenting on the 64-hour chess marathon record, Onakoya in a post shared on his verified X handle, with photos of his new feat, said: 鈥淚t is possible to do great things from a small place.鈥�

The chess master’s official certificate from Guinness World Records, confirming his new record read: 鈥淭he longest chess marathon was achieved by Tunde Onakoya (Nigeria) and Shawn Martinez (Puerto Rico) in Times Square, New York, New York, USA from 17 to 20 April 2025.鈥�

Earlier, Onakoya, 30, who gained global recognition April 2024 for completing a 60-hour chess marathon with Martinez, a US chess master, had revealed that his upcoming attempt was not just about records.

He also averred: 鈥淲e鈥檙e not just doing this for ourselves鈥攚e鈥檙e doing it for a million dreams.

“We want to build the biggest preschool in Africa for homeless children.

The chess master said: 鈥淭he hardest part isn鈥檛 staying awake for three days鈥攂ecause a million dreams will do that.

“But now, more than ever, we need everyone鈥檚 support. If you鈥檙e in New York, show up at Times Square. Come support us.”

Onakoya further stated: “Help us inspire the world and show the world that it is, indeed, possible to do great things from a small place.

鈥淢y dream is to inspire the world, and raise support to build the biggest free school for homeless children in Nigeria.”

In regard to support from his homeland, Music star Davido, watched on during Onakoya鈥檚 60-hour chess marathon 2024, agency report said.

Besides, during his record-setting performance last year, the Nigerian community, in New York, also turned out in a show of support, offering traditional meals like jollof rice, and music. Davido as well publicly supported the chess master, and presented him with a 30BG chain.

Support from home base

Speaking on Onakoya’s latest 64-hour chess marathon record, Nigerian Vice-President Kashim Shettima commended him.

Shettima reportedly stated that his feat was a symbol of 鈥渆xcellence and resilience that distinguishes Nigerians both locally and internationally.鈥�

In his remarks, Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, highlighted the Nigerian chess master’s attempt was 鈥渁 strong testimony to how greatness can come from anywhere.鈥�

On Onakoya’s Chess in Slums Africa initiative

It was learnt that Onakoya’s initial effort, which doubled as a $1 million fundraising campaign, helped to elevate his Chess in Slums Africa initiative.

According to him, the initiative has provided education and lifelong scholarships to over 200 children across Nigeria.

Onakoya disclosed the funds raised were also utilised to distribute a million chess sets to impoverished communities, in partnership with The Gift of Chess.

Tunde Onakoya’s profile at a glance

Featuring in a interview on Channels TV programme January 2024, Onakoya revealed that growing up in poverty taught him empathy because the real pain wasn鈥檛 just lacking money, but being cut off from things, such as education and justice.

The chess expert related how that experience has continued to drive his passion to help others in Nigeria.

According to him, he wants to be the kind of person he needed when he was younger.

A self-taught chess master, Onakoya learnt the game in a barber鈥檚 shop. Raised in modest circumstances by a mother who worked as a cleaner to support his education, he went on to study Computer Science at the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), in Lagos.

Throughout his journey, the Lagos-born chess champion has received national and international acclaim.

In appreciation of his contribution to the youth development in the West African country, Governor Dapo Abiodun Ogun State, April 2024, appointed Onakoya as the state鈥檚 sports ambassador.

Abiodun also likened his cause to that of millions of youths in Nigeria, who are struggling to make something out of their lives, according to report.

Kindly Share This Story