In a world where every second counts, Nigerian chess champion Tunde Onakoya is about to challenge the limits of endurance, intellect, and purpose with his second Guinness World Record (GWR) attempt. On April 17, 2025, Onakoya began a grueling 70-hour chess marathon at New York City’s iconic Times Square, hoping to break his own record for the longest continuous chess game ever played.
The goal is clear: 70 hours of nonstop chess. The stakes are even higher, as Onakoya’s attempt aims to raise $1 million to build a tuition-free school for homeless children in Africa. This marathon is not just a battle of mind over matter but a deeply personal mission to provide a future for those who need it most.
A Dream Larger Than the Chessboard
This year’s marathon is not just about Tunde Onakoya’s quest for recognition in the annals of chess history. His journey is a mission of social change—one that transcends the boundaries of the game itself. Onakoya’s organization, Chess in Slums Africa (CISA), has long been focused on using chess as a tool for social mobility, particularly for children in underserved communities across Nigeria. CISA’s mission is to uplift children through chess, STEM education, and emotional development. And now, with this marathon, Onakoya is adding another chapter to his incredible journey.
“I’m not just playing for the world record,” Onakoya wrote on social media. “I’m playing for the child who never had a seat at the table. The one who never got to dream beyond survival. Every move I make is for them.”
It’s not just about the prestige of a Guinness World Record. This marathon is about creating opportunities where they never existed. The funds raised from this challenge will go towards the construction of a school that will serve as a safe space for children who have been overlooked by society, offering them not just education but a home for learning, healing, and second chances.
The Journey to 70 Hours
Onakoya’s journey to Times Square is one of perseverance and determination. In April 2024, the Nigerian chess master set a 60-hour chess marathon record with U.S. chess master Shawn Martinez, a feat that drew global attention. However, the Guinness World Record committee did not officially recognize Onakoya’s achievement, as the title was claimed by two Norwegian chess players, Odin Blikra Vea and Askild Bryn, who played for 61 hours, 3 minutes, and 34 seconds.
Despite the setback, Onakoya remained undeterred. Now, in the bustling heart of Times Square, he’s attempting to not only reclaim the record but also go further—pushing the bar to an astounding 70 hours. For Onakoya, this marathon represents a form of redemption, a chance to remind the world of what’s possible when purpose meets perseverance.
“I want to do this for the children who dream of a better life,” Onakoya said in an emotional post before the start of the marathon. “Last year, we made history. This year, we’re building legacy.”
The Power of Chess Beyond the Game
Onakoya’s Chess in Slums Africa organization was founded in 2018 with the goal of using chess to teach children cognitive and life skills. Since then, it has evolved into a broader initiative that includes STEM education, robotics, and digital literacy. These programs aim to provide comprehensive support to children, addressing not just their academic needs but also their social and emotional well-being.
CISA operates in several slum communities across Nigeria, creating safe, inclusive, and empowering environments where children can learn and grow. Through scholarships, vocational training, and mentorship, Onakoya ensures that these children receive continuous support until they become active and responsible members of society.
The impact is visible—not just in test scores or trophies—but in confidence, restored hope, and the return of childhood to kids who had almost lost it to poverty.
A Global Movement of Support
The chess marathon has garnered widespread attention, with fans, volunteers, and supporters rallying behind Onakoya’s cause. During the countdown to the start of the 70-hour event, Onakoya was surrounded by cheering fans, showing just how much his mission resonates with people across the globe.
For those unable to attend in person, the marathon is being streamed online, allowing everyone to contribute in their own way. Donations, social media shares, and spreading the word are all valuable ways to support the initiative.
And the buzz isn’t limited to the chess community. Influencers, educators, and nonprofit organizations around the world have joined in amplifying Onakoya’s story—proving that good causes always find an audience.
A Legacy in the Making
As Tunde Onakoya plays his way through the next 70 hours of chess, his determination and passion are not only shaping the future of the game but also creating a lasting legacy for children who will benefit from his work for years to come. His journey proves that when the mind and heart come together, there are no limits.
This Guinness World Record attempt is not just about chess. It’s about giving children in slums the opportunity to dream, to learn, and to thrive.
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