Entertainment

Tunde Onakoya Aims for 70-Hour Chess Marathon with Slum Kids to Break World Record

Nigerian chess master and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, is set to embark on a 70-hour chess marathon from April 17 to 20, 2025, in New York City. This ambitious endeavor aims to break the current Guinness World Record for the longest continuous chess game, previously set at 61 hours by two Norwegian players.

 

What makes this attempt particularly inspiring is Onakoya's decision to involve children from his Chess in Slums Africa initiative. Each day, five children from the program will join him, taking turns to participate in the marathon for a few hours. This inclusion underscores Onakoya's commitment to empowering underprivileged youth through chess, providing them with opportunities to showcase their talents on an international stage.

 

Onakoya's previous record-breaking feat in April 2024, where he played chess nonstop for 60 hours in New York's Times Square, garnered global attention and highlighted his dedication to using chess as a tool for social change. Through his organization, he continues to inspire and uplift children from marginalized communities, demonstrating the transformative power of the game.