Nigerian chess player Tunde Onakoya has officially been recognised by Guinness World Records as the new world record holder for the longest chess marathon, completing an intense 64-hour session in New York City’s Times Square.
The chess marathon, which took place from April 17 to April 20, 2025, was achieved in partnership with American chess player Shawn Martinez. The feat shattered the previous record of 61 hours, 3 minutes, and 34 seconds, set by Norwegian players Odin Blikra Vea and Askild Bryn in mid-2024.
For Onakoya, this record is more than a title. Known for founding Chess in Slums Africa, he has spent years using the game as a bridge to opportunity for underprivileged children in Nigeria. His work has empowered hundreds of children living in marginalised communities, teaching them critical thinking and a sense of purpose through chess.
This achievement also follows a moment in 2024 when Onakoya played for 60 hours and was briefly considered a record holder until the Norwegian players broke the record. But he returned stronger, with a mission to win and inspire.
My dream is to inspire the world and raise support to build the biggest free school for homeless children in Nigeria, he wrote on X.
As the world celebrates his resilience, Onakoya has proved that even the smallest moves, when done with purpose, can change the game for good.
