Tunde Onakoya, Nigerian chess star and social entrepreneur, is gearing up for a bold Guinness World Record attempt: a 70-hour chess marathon in New York’s Times Square from April 17 to 20, 2025.
This time, he will be joined by five children from underprivileged Nigerian communities and U.S. National Master Shawn Martinez, aiming to surpass the current record of 61 hours, 3 minutes, and 34 seconds set by Norwegian players in June 2024.
Onakoya, founder of Chess in Slums Africa, shared his vision in an Instagram video, stating that the challenge transcends personal glory. “This isn’t just about records,” he said. Reflecting on his 2024 feat—a 60-hour marathon with Shawn Martinez that raised funds to build a Lagos innovation hub and support thousands of children’s education—he added, “We proved resilience and inspired hope. Now, these five children, who’ve risen from adversity to become champions, will show the world that talent thrives when opportunity exists.”
The five youths accompanying Onakoya have already defied odds, winning tournaments in Athens, Georgia, speaking at the United Nations, and securing gold at the UN Chess Championship. “They’ve demonstrated that brilliance isn’t bound by circumstance,” Onakoya remarked. Their participation underscores his broader goal: to fund Africa’s largest free school for homeless children in Nigeria.
Nonprofit partner The Gift of Chess confirmed the marathon, stating, “Tunde and Coach Shawn Martinez will push for 70 nonstop hours in Times Square, breaking their prior 60-hour milestone and the Norwegian-held record.” The event aims to spotlight educational inequity while rallying global support.
Onakoya’s initiative blends sport and activism, leveraging chess as a tool for social change. As inflation and poverty strain Nigerian communities, his efforts highlight the transformative power of education and opportunity. “This marathon is a metaphor for life,” he said. “No matter the obstacles, we keep playing—and rising.”
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