Tunde Onakoya, the driving force behind Chess in Slums Africa, is poised to embark on another ambitious endeavor: reclaiming the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon. Scheduled for April 17-20, 2025, in the bustling heart of New York City’s Times Square, Onakoya aims to play chess non-stop for a staggering 70 hours, surpassing the current record of 61 hours, 3 minutes, and 34 seconds held by a Norwegian duo. This audacious attempt is not merely a pursuit of personal glory; it’s a strategic move to amplify the message and garner support for a profoundly impactful cause: the construction of Nigeria’s largest free school dedicated to homeless children. Onakoya envisions this record-breaking feat as a catalyst for inspiring global action and mobilizing resources to provide education and opportunity to vulnerable youth.
The upcoming challenge marks Onakoya’s second foray into the world of marathon chess. In April 2024, he partnered with US Chess Master Shawn Martinez to complete a grueling 60-hour chess marathon, momentarily eclipsing the then-standing record of 56 hours. This achievement, however, was short-lived, as a different Norwegian pair soon extended the record to its current mark. Undeterred by this setback, Onakoya and Martinez are once again joining forces, determined to not only recapture the record but to significantly push its boundaries. This time, their chosen battleground is one of the most iconic and heavily trafficked public spaces in the world: Times Square, ensuring maximum visibility and engagement for their cause.
The Chess in Slums Africa initiative, founded by Onakoya, has already demonstrated its transformative power, using the game of chess as a tool for empowerment and social change. By teaching chess to children living in impoverished communities, the organization equips them with valuable life skills such as strategic thinking, problem-solving, and concentration, fostering their intellectual development and opening doors to a brighter future. The planned free school for homeless children in Nigeria represents a significant expansion of this mission, aiming to provide a safe and nurturing environment where these vulnerable children can access education, develop their potential, and break the cycle of poverty.
Onakoya’s upcoming marathon chess challenge adds another layer of impact to the Chess in Slums Africa initiative. By undertaking this extraordinary physical and mental feat, he seeks to draw global attention to the plight of homeless children in Nigeria and inspire individuals and organizations to contribute to the construction of the school. The choice of Times Square as the venue further amplifies this message, leveraging the location’s international prominence to reach a vast and diverse audience. This strategic blend of a captivating challenge and a compelling cause positions the event to generate significant awareness and support for the project.
The 70-hour chess marathon is not just about endurance; it’s a symbolic representation of the resilience and determination of the children Onakoya works with. He plans to share the stage, albeit briefly, with some of these children, showcasing their chess prowess and highlighting the transformative impact of the Chess in Slums Africa program. This symbolic gesture reinforces the message that even in the face of adversity, great things can be achieved. By inviting chess players in New York City to challenge the children, Onakoya creates an opportunity for interaction and engagement, fostering a sense of community and further promoting the initiative’s goals.
Onakoya’s previous attempt, though briefly holding the record, demonstrated his dedication and unwavering commitment to this cause. The upcoming 70-hour challenge is not only an attempt to reclaim the title but also a testament to his enduring belief in the power of chess to change lives. The event promises to be a spectacle of human endurance and a powerful advocacy platform for educational equality, solidifying Onakoya’s role as a champion for social change and a beacon of hope for homeless children in Nigeria. The marathon, played out in the vibrant backdrop of Times Square, will serve as a compelling narrative of resilience, determination, and the transformative power of education.
