Nigerian chess master and visionary founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, is gearing up for a remarkable feat that will not only test his endurance but also shine a global spotlight on the power of chess and purpose. From April 17 to April 19, 2024, Onakoya will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon—an ambitious 70-hour challenge set to unfold in the heart of New York City’s iconic Times Square.
The current record for the longest continuous chess game stands at 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds. Onakoya’s goal? To go beyond that benchmark by a wide margin, clocking in an unprecedented 70 hours of uninterrupted strategic play. But for Tunde, this isn't just about setting records; it's about making a meaningful impact.
The event will double as a fundraiser aimed at supporting his ongoing mission to provide education and empowerment to children in underprivileged communities across Africa through the game of chess. Through his non-profit organization, Chess in Slums Africa, Onakoya has used the game as a tool to inspire and educate hundreds of young minds, helping them see possibilities beyond their immediate circumstances.
“Breaking a record is great, but changing lives is greater,” Onakoya shared in a recent interview. “Every move on the board during those 70 hours will represent the dreams and potential of every child who has ever felt unseen or unheard.”
The event is already drawing international attention, with support pouring in from across the chess world, the African diaspora, and philanthropic communities. Fans and well-wishers will be able to follow the marathon online and donate to the cause in real-time.
As Onakoya prepares to etch his name into the record books once again, he’s also writing a larger story—one of resilience, passion, and the unwavering belief that no dream is too big, especially when it's in service of others.
