Nigerian chess champion and founder of ‘Chess in Slums Africa’, Tunde Onakoya, has set a new world record after completing a 64-hour chess marathon in Times Square, New York.
Partnered by U.S. chess player Shawn Martinez, Onakoya surpassed the previous benchmark of 61 hours, 3 minutes, and 34 seconds—set by Norwegians Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad in June 2024.
The marathon, which began on 17 April and ran non-stop for four days, originally aimed for a 70-hour duration.
Also Read: Tunde Onakoya to Launch 70-Hour Chess Marathon in Times Square with Nigerian Youths
In a social media post following the feat, Onakoya reflected on his journey, noting, “It is possible to do great things from a small place.”
Guinness World Records has officially certified the attempt, confirming that the record was achieved jointly by Onakoya and Martinez between 17 and 20 April 2025.
The effort has been widely hailed as a triumph of resilience and inspiration.
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