Chess champion and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, has broken the world record for the longest chess marathon, previously set at 61 hours, 3 minutes and 34 seconds by Norwegian duo Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad in June 2024.
Onakoya and his playing partner, US chess master Shawn Martinez, surpassed the record during a four-day marathon in Times Square, New York.
The duo is now pushing to complete a 70-hour non-stop chess session, which began on April 17.
Shortly after surpassing the previous record, Onakoya shared his excitement in a post on X on Sunday, writing: “For all the dreamers! We’ve officially BROKEN THE RECORD with my brother.”
He also used the moment to advocate for education and opportunities for street children in Nigeria.
Although Guinness World Records has yet to officially confirm the feat, Nigerians and chess enthusiasts around the world have flooded social media with messages of support and congratulations.
