By Ayomide Otitoju
Nigerian chess champion and social entrepreneur, Tunde Onakoya, is set to embark on a 70-hour chess marathon in New York’s Times Square, aiming to break the Guinness World Record and raise support for educational initiatives for homeless children in Africa.
Onakoya, 30, founder of the non-profit Chess in Slums Africa, made the announcement in a video posted on Instagram on Tuesday. This year’s challenge, scheduled to run from April 17 to 20, 2025, will see him reunite with U.S. National Master Shawn Martinez in an attempt to surpass the standing record of 61 hours, 3 minutes, and 34 seconds — currently held by two Norwegian players.
Unlike his previous 60-hour feat in April 2024, Onakoya is not alone this time. He is joined by five children from disadvantaged communities in Nigeria, each of whom will participate in the marathon for several hours daily.
“I’m back here in this very moment that started last year in Times Square,” Onakoya said in the video. “We played chess for 60 hours. We pushed the limits of the human mind and gave the world something new to believe in.”
He added that the new attempt is not merely about setting records but creating lasting impact. “Now I’m back — but this time, I’m not alone. I’m here with five incredible children from Nigeria, who have come from the slums — against all odds — to become champions here.”
The children, according to Onakoya, have achieved remarkable milestones, including winning tournaments in Athens, Georgia, speaking at the United Nations, and claiming gold at the United Nations Chess Championship.
“Talent is universal, but opportunity isn’t,” he said.
The chess marathon is backed by The Gift of Chess, a U.S.-based nonprofit organization partnering with Onakoya in the initiative. In a statement posted on social media, the organization confirmed: “Starting April 17th, @Tunde_OD & @CoachShawnMar will attempt 70 hours of non-stop chess in the heart of Times Square, NYC.”
The effort is also part of a broader campaign to raise funds for what Onakoya describes as “the biggest preschool in Africa for homeless children.” He made an open invitation to New York chess enthusiasts, saying: “This is an open call to every chess player in New York City: if you think you’re good enough to challenge them, we invite you to come play.”
“This isn’t just for ourselves — it’s for a million dreams,” he continued. “The hardest part isn’t staying awake for three days. A million dreams will do that.”
In a tweet earlier this week, Onakoya reiterated his mission: “My dream is to inspire the world and raise support to build the biggest free school for homeless children in Nigeria.”
Onakoya and Martinez previously broke the world record for the longest chess marathon in April 2024 with a 60-hour game, surpassing the 56-hour benchmark held since 2018 by Norwegians Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad. However, their record was eclipsed just two months later by a new 61-hour mark.
During last year’s marathon, Onakoya received widespread support from New York’s Nigerian community. Crowds provided food, music, and encouragement, with Nigerian music star Davido gifting him a signature “30BG” chain. The feat helped raise $1 million for Chess in Slums Africa, enabling the distribution of one million chess sets to underserved communities and the construction of an innovation hub in Lagos.
The effort also earned Onakoya praise from Nigerian political leaders. Vice President Kashim Shettima called the achievement a symbol of “excellence and resilience,” while Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described it as “a strong testimony to how greatness can come from anywhere.”
Born and raised in Lagos, Onakoya learned to play chess in a barbershop. His mother worked as a cleaner to support his education, and he later studied computer science at Yaba College of Technology. In April 2024, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun appointed him as the state’s sports ambassador, commending his efforts to uplift Nigerian youth.
In a past interview with Channels Television, Onakoya said his experience growing up in poverty shaped his mission. “The real pain wasn’t just lacking money — it was being cut off from things like education and justice,” he said.
As the world watches Times Square this week, Onakoya hopes to once again inspire global audiences and prove that greatness can emerge from the most unlikely places.
