Sports

Nigerian Chess Star Onakoya Aims for Guinness Record with 70-Hour Marathon in New York

Published

4 weeks ago

Apr 18, 2025.

Tunde Onakoya begins a 70-hour chess marathon at Times Square, New York, aiming for a new Guinness World Record.
The Nigerian chess master is playing nonstop games without losing, one year after his unrecognized 60-hour attempt.
Fans and supporters cheer him on as he showcases resilience and promotes Chess in Slums Africa on a global stage.

Tunde Onakoya, a well-known Nigerian chess champion and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, has started another major attempt to break a Guinness World Record (GWR). This time, he is aiming to set a new record for the longest chess marathon in the world.

The exciting event began on Thursday, April 17, 2025, right in the heart of Times Square, New York City. Onakoya’s goal is very bold—he wants to play chess for 70 hours straight without losing a single game.

A video shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account showed a large crowd of fans surrounding him, cheering and offering support as the countdown to the start began. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and encouragement.

This effort marks his second attempt at breaking the record. Exactly one year ago, in April 2024, Tunde and an American chess master, Shawn Martinez, played chess for 60 hours as part of a similar record attempt.

Unfortunately, that attempt was not recognized by the Guinness World Records. Instead, the organization awarded the title to two men from Norway, Odin Blikra Vea and Askild Bryn, who played continuously for 61 hours, 3 minutes, and 34 seconds—just slightly longer than Tunde’s previous effort.

Despite this, Tunde Onakoya has remained positive and determined. He is now back with even more energy, setting a higher goal of 70 hours to make sure he not only beats the previous record but leaves no doubt about his achievement.

Tunde is known not just for his chess skills, but also for his passion for helping underprivileged children. Through his organization, Chess in Slums Africa, he teaches young people in poor communities how to play chess, using the game as a tool to inspire and educate them.

Many Nigerians and supporters around the world are following his progress online and wishing him success. If he completes this challenge, it will be a proud moment not just for him, but for the entire country.

Click Here For Video of The Week