Nigerian chess champion and founding father of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, has introduced a monumental achievement: he has reportedly damaged the Guinness World Report for the longest steady chess marathon.1 The celebrated feat occurred within the bustling coronary heart of New York Metropolis’s Occasions Sq., the place Onakoya launched into a grueling 70-hour chess marathon alongside his good friend, Shawn Martinez.
On Sunday, April 20, 2025, Onakoya took to social media platform X to share his elation with the world, posting, “For all of the dreamers! We’ve formally BROKEN THE RECORD ❤️🇳🇬” accompanied by {a photograph} displaying the triumphant message “RECORD BROKEN.”
The marathon, which commenced final Thursday, noticed Onakoya surpass the earlier document of 61 hours, 3 minutes, and 34 seconds set in 2024 by Norwegian chess gamers Odin Blikra Vea and Askild Bryn. Having crossed the 62-hour mark, Onakoya and Martinez are decided to proceed taking part in till they attain their formidable 70-hour aim. This prolonged effort goals to amplify their fundraising efforts to help the noble reason behind constructing free faculties for underprivileged kids throughout Africa.
Onakoya articulated his motivation, stating, “Doing this for the desires of hundreds of thousands of youngsters throughout Africa with out entry to schooling.” His group, Chess in Slums Africa, is famend for leveraging the strategic sport of chess as a strong instrument for schooling and empowerment inside low-income communities, nurturing expertise and fostering alternatives for deprived youth.2
It’s price noting that this isn’t Onakoya’s first foray into record-breaking chess endeavors. In April 2024, he accomplished a 60-hour chess marathon, exceeding the earlier 56-hour document established in 2018 by Norwegians Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad. Nonetheless, that earlier achievement didn’t obtain official recognition on the time.
Whereas Onakoya’s newest accomplishment has been broadly celebrated, it’s necessary to notice that his declare to the Guinness World Report stays topic to thorough verification and official affirmation by the Guinness World Information group.
The announcement on X, accompanied by the hashtags #ThankYou, #70HoursofChessWithTunde, #ChessForEducation, #GWR2025, and #DreamersFila, has ignited widespread admiration and help for Onakoya’s dedication to each the sport of chess and his philanthropic mission.
