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Nigerian chess master Tunde Onakoya, founder of the nonprofit Chess in Slums Africa, has been officially recognised by Guinness World Records for achieving the longest chess marathon.
Onakoya accomplished the 64-hour marathon feat in New York City’s Times Square alongside American chess player Shawn Martinez. He played non-stop from April 17 to April 20, 2025. This victory marks a comeback for Onakoya, who first attempted the record in April 2024 with a 60-hour session that briefly surpassed the existing record. However, two months later, Norwegians, Hallvard Haug Flatebo and Sjur Ferkingstad reclaimed the title by clocking 61 hours, 3 minutes, and 34 seconds.
With Guinness World Records’ formally confirming the record, Onakoya’s 64-hour marathon is now the global benchmark for chess.
Onakoya has been applauded for his work with Chess in Slums Africa, a Non Governmental Organisation which uses chess as a tool to empower underprivileged children in Nigeria and other African communities.
