Nigerian chess champion and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, has officially received his Guinness World Records certificate for the longest chess marathon, following an extraordinary 64-hour session alongside American chess master, Shawn Martinez.
The confirmation came on Sunday, April 20, in New York’s Times Square—where the duo had embarked on the intense chess marathon just days earlier, beginning on Wednesday, April 17.
With the Guinness certificate in hand, Onakoya declared on X (formerly Twitter), “We did the impossible and gave the world something new to believe in. Official record holders of the Longest Chess Marathon for 64 hours. We did it. It’s time to go home.”
This global recognition not only cements their names in the record books but also symbolizes a powerful victory for purpose-driven passion. The marathon was not merely about endurance or competition—it was a mission to raise funds and awareness to build a tuition-free school for homeless children in Nigeria.
“The goal of this marathon is to raise awareness and funds to build a tuition-free school for homeless children in Nigeria,” Onakoya said. “Because no child should ever have their childhood sacrificed for survival.”
The 64-hour feat marks a historic comeback after the duo’s earlier 60-hour record in 2024 was surpassed by two Norwegians with a 61-hour, 3-minute, and 34-second session. This time, Onakoya and Martinez pushed the boundaries even further—reclaiming the title and the spotlight.
In a show of community and unity, children were invited to witness and take part in the experience during the marathon. One of the event’s most touching highlights was when Martinez’s wife appeared with their newborn twins, offering heartfelt support from the sidelines.
Onakoya also extended warm words to his partner in the record-breaking endeavor: “Officially amazing! Congrats on our shared achievement, Shawn Martinez!”
The recognition by Guinness World Records is more than a personal milestone—it’s a message to Africa’s youth and the world at large that greatness can spring from the most unlikely places.
“It is possible to do great things from a small place,” Onakoya said, adding another chapter to his legacy of hope, resilience, and transformative impact.
