Nigerian chess master and founder of Chess in Slums, Tunde Onakoya, has once again made history—this time, alongside American chess player Shawn Martinez. The duo has officially been certified by Guinness World Records for completing the longest chess marathon ever: 64 hours of non-stop play.
The marathon took place at New York City’s iconic Times Square, starting on Wednesday, April 17, and concluding triumphantly on Sunday, April 20.
Sharing the news on X.com (formerly Twitter), Onakoya posted photos with Martinez and their official certificate. “We did the impossible and gave the world something new to believe in,” he wrote. “Official record holders of the Longest Chess Marathon for 64 hours. We did it. It’s time to go home.”
He added a personal message of celebration for his co-record holder: “Officially amazing! Congrats on our shared achievement, Shawn Martinez!”
The event was filled with emotional moments. At one point, Martinez’s wife brought their newborn twins to the square—a heartwarming visit in the midst of the intense challenge. Children were also invited to participate, taking turns at the board to share in the experience and spirit of the game.
This marks Onakoya’s second time breaking the prestigious record. In April 2024, he and Martinez surpassed the previous record of 56 hours—set in 2018 by Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad—with a 60-hour session. However, their triumph was short-lived; in June 2024, another Norwegian duo reclaimed the record with 61 hours, 3 minutes, and 34 seconds.
Determined to make their mark again, Onakoya and Martinez set their sights higher and launched a 70-hour attempt in 2025, ultimately setting the new standard at 64 hours.
But for Onakoya, the mission goes beyond chess. He hopes the achievement will spotlight a cause close to his heart—building the largest tuition-free school for homeless children in Nigeria.
“This is a dream I’ve carried for years,” he said. “Because no child should ever have their childhood sacrificed for survival. No dream should be buried beneath the weight of poverty.”
