On Sunday, April 21st, Tunde Onakoya, the visionary behind Chess in Slums Africa, officially shattered the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon — clocking in at an incredible 62 hours (and still going!). Side by side with U.S. chess master Shawn Martinez, Onakoya didn’t just outplay the clock — he outdreamed the limits. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
The previous record stood at 61 hours. But for Tunde, this wasn’t about the numbers. It never was.
“For all the dreamers! We’ve officially broken the record!” he posted joyfully on X (formerly Twitter). But what followed struck deeper.
“Every move, every hour, a love letter to children who’ve never known the luxury of a second chance.”
Let that sink in. This wasn’t just chess. It was a mission, a movement, a marathon of hope.
The chess duel kicked off on Wednesday, April 17, in the heart of New York City, but its true purpose resonated far beyond the board. Tunde’s goal? To raise awareness and funds to build Nigeria’s largest free school for homeless children — a place where forgotten dreams can breathe again.
And as the hours ticked by, you could feel the purpose growing stronger with each move.
“If you had 70 hours to change the world, what would you do?”
Tunde’s words weren’t just for himself — they were a rallying cry for everyone who’s ever carried a big dream with a heavy heart.
This marks his second attempt at the title. In 2024, he and Martinez completed a 60-hour chess marathon, only to have it topped two months later by Norwegian players who hit 61 hours. This time, though, they’ve not only reclaimed the title — they’re pushing for 70+ hours to make the moment last even longer.
Because for Tunde, it’s never just been about records.
It’s about visibility for the invisible. It’s about using intellect to rewrite stories of poverty.
It’s about showing that you don’t need power or privilege to make global impact — just passion, purpose, and a strategy that begins with one move.
Tunde Onakoya has done more than break a world record. He’s reminded us all what it means to fight for something bigger than yourself.
So let’s support this cause. Let’s make noise. Let’s turn this moment into movement.
Eyes of Lagos.
