In the heart of Times Square, where the world gathers under giant screens and neon lights, Nigerian chess master Tunde Onakoya is set to make history again. This time, he’s aiming for an extraordinary 70-hour Guinness World Record chess marathon, all in a bid to shine a global spotlight on the educational crisis facing homeless children in Nigeria.
Tunde, widely recognized for his passion for both chess and charity, is teaming up with US National Master Shawn Martinez for this audacious feat, scheduled to take place from April 17th to 20th. Their goal? Not just to outlast the clock, but to raise funds and awareness to build the largest free school for homeless children in Nigeria.
It’s not his first rodeo in Times Square. In April 2024, Tunde captivated the world by playing for an incredible 60 hours straight, breaking the previous record and raising vital funds for children’s education across Africa. That marathon chess match, initially aimed for 58 hours, was extended in real time as donations flooded in and Tunde powered through the fatigue for a greater cause a symbolic gesture that captured hearts globally.
But the record has since been surpassed. Two Norwegian players clocked in at 61 hours, nudging Tunde back to the drawing board. Now, with renewed purpose and international backing, he’s coming back stronger, extending the challenge to 70 hours of continuous play.
What makes this record attempt even more powerful is Tunde’s decision to bring children from Chess in Slums Africa along for the ride. Each day, five of the children from his foundation will join the marathon for a few hours. “They’ve shown us it is possible to do great things from a small place,” Tunde shared. Their presence serves as a living reminder of what’s at stake a generation of potential, brilliance, and resilience waiting for opportunity.
With the chess boards set in one of the busiest intersections on earth, Tunde and Shawn are inviting every chess player in New York City to challenge them, sparking an atmosphere of unity and support around the cause. It’s a movement, not just a match.
Beyond the competition, this is a mission to bring global attention to the nearly 10.5 million out-of-school children in Nigeria. Through his organization, Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde has transformed lives, using the power of chess to unlock confidence, discipline, and opportunity for street kids who would otherwise be left behind.
Tunde’s story continues to inspire millions. His vision is not only to reclaim a world record, but to channel that momentum into a tangible legacy education, empowerment, and equity for children who have long been forgotten.
As the countdown to April 17th begins, the world will once again turn its eyes to Times Square not for a concert or celebrity, but for a grandmaster on a mission.
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