The founder of Chess In Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, is set to make another attempt at beating the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon, this time aiming for 70 hours.
Onakoya made history in April 2024 by playing chess continuously for 60 hours in New York City’s Times Square, surpassing the previous record of 56 hours set in 2018 by Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flatebo and Sjur Ferkingstad.
However, just two months later, Norwegian duo Askild Bryn and Odin Blikra Vea broke the record, playing continuously for 61 hours in Stavanger, Norway.
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Determined to better the Norwegians’ record, the Nigerian announced his intention to play chess for 70 hours, starting from April 17 to April 20 at the Times Square.
“There is a new world record for 61 hours set by two Norwegian players. On the 17th of April, we will attempt to break that record and set a new one for 70 hours
My dream is to inspire the world and raise support to build the biggest free school for homeless children in Nigeria,” he wrote.
There is a new world record for 61 hours set by two Norwegian players. On the 17th of April, we will attempt to break that record and set a new one for 70 hours
My dream is to inspire the world, and raise support to build the biggest free school for homeless children in Nigeria. pic.twitter.com/5IptKSxvDP
— Tunde Onakoya (@Tunde_OD) April 12, 2025
‘An Open Call’
Onakoya’s previous marathon was not just a personal achievement; it was part of a mission to raise $1 million for children’s education across Africa. The event garnered widespread support, including appearances by Nigerian celebrities, as well as backing from former Nigerian Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
In a follow-up post on X, Onakoya revealed that he would be joined by five children who’ve been part of his Chess in Slums initiative, inviting chess players in New York City to come challenge them
“I won’t be doing it alone. I’ll be playing alongside these kids who have shown all of us that it is possible to do great things from a small place. (They will only join in for a few hours),” Onakoya wrote.
“This is an open call to every chess player in New York City to come and challenge them.”
