Nigerian chess master and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, has officially received recognition from Guinness World Records (GWR) for the longest chess marathon after completing an astonishing 64-hour session in New York City’s Times Square.
He achieved the feat together with American chess player Shawn Martinez, with the marathon taking place between April 17 and April 20, 2025.
This victory marks Onakoya’s remarkable comeback after he briefly broke the existing record in April 2024 by playing for 60 hours.
However, just two months later, Norwegian chess team Odin Blikra Vea and Askild Bryn recovered the championship, setting a new record of 61 hours, 3 minutes, and 34 seconds.
With official confirmation from Guinness World Records, Onakoya’s 64-hour effort has become the new standard for chess endurance.
Beyond the board, Onakoya is well-known for his significant work with Chess in Slums Africa, a non-profit organisation that utilises chess to educate and empower poor children in Nigeria and beyond.
