Tunde Onakoya, a Nigerian chess master and the founder of Chess in Slums Africa, has made headlines for his extraordinary efforts to use chess as a tool for social good. On April 17–20, 2025, Onakoya, alongside NM Shawn Martinez, undertook a 64-hour chess marathon in New York’s iconic Times Square. They aimed to break the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon and raise $1 million for children’s education in Africa. This event, reported by Chess.com and CNN, marks a significant milestone in chess history. It builds on Onakoya’s previous 60-hour marathon in April 2024, which had initially set a record. However, it was surpassed by Norwegian players Askild Bryn and Odin Blikra Vea in June 2024 with a 61-hour, 3-minute, and 37-second marathon (Chess.com – Chess Marathon Terms).
The 2025 marathon, lasting 64 hours, was livestreamed and garnered attention from major media outlets. This included CNN, the New York Times, the BBC, and AP, as noted in earlier reports from 2024 (Chess.com – Tunde Onakoya Shatters World Record). This achievement not only highlights Onakoya’s dedication but also positions chess as a platform for endurance and philanthropy. It has inspired institutions like Summit School of Chess to rethink their training approaches.
Methodology of the Chess Marathon
Chess marathons, as described in chess literature, involve playing multiple games continuously over an extended period. Players are allowed short breaks, typically five minutes per hour, up to 30 minutes every six hours, as seen in the record set by Bryn and Vea (Chess.com – Chess Marathon Terms). In Onakoya’s case, the 2025 marathon involved him and Martinez playing for 64 hours. They likely played against a series of opponents, given the nature of such events. Reports suggest they played over 200 games, with Onakoya remaining unbeaten. This was mentioned in a 2024 Businessday NG article (Businessday NG – Tunde Onakoya Breaks Record). The event’s location in Times Square added a public spectacle. Tourists and locals witnessed the endurance test, potentially impacting chess’s visibility.
Physical and Mental Challenges
Playing chess for 64 hours is an extraordinary feat, involving significant physical and mental strain. Reports from the 2024 marathon highlighted Onakoya suffering from intense vomiting, stomach pain, and extreme tiredness (Chess.com – Tunde Onakoya Shatters World Record). It seems likely these challenges persisted in 2025. By hour 48, Onakoya reportedly experienced hallucinations, seeing pawns where there were none. This humorous yet telling sign of the marathon’s toll aligns with the understanding that chess marathons test not just strategy but human endurance. They push players to the brink of exhaustion.
Impact on Chess Education and Summit School of Chess
For Summit School of Chess, Onakoya’s achievement is both inspirational and a call to action. The school, as a hub for chess training, is now considering integrating endurance training into its curriculum. Satirical programs like “Chess While Sleep-Deprived” and “Endurance Chess” have been proposed in jest. These ideas, while humorous, reflect a broader trend of chess evolving beyond traditional gameplay. Parents are reportedly inquiring about marathon training. They ask if their children can learn to play while deprived of basic needs, highlighting a shift in perception (CNN – Tunde Onakoya Breaks Record).
The marathon’s charitable goal—raising $1 million for education—also resonates with Summit’s mission. Onakoya’s efforts through Chess in Slums Africa are aimed at helping children read and write through chess. They align with educational outreach, potentially encouraging Summit to partner with similar initiatives. This could involve workshops like “Chess Until You Drop,” satirically proposed, to engage students in endurance and community service.
Community and Media Response
The 2025 marathon drew significant attention, with media coverage amplifying its impact. CNN and Chess.com reported on the event. They noted Onakoya’s status as a national hero in Nigeria and the global interest it generated (CNN – Tunde Onakoya Breaks Record, Chess.com – Tunde Onakoya and Shawn Martinez Break Record). Celebrities and locals, including Nigerian singer Davido in 2024, turned up to cheer, as noted in Vanguard News (Vanguard News – Tunde Onakoya Reaches 57-Hour Mark). This suggests a growing cultural appreciation for chess marathons. It could inspire Summit to host public chess events, leveraging the marathon’s visibility.
Future Implications and Satirical Outlook
Looking ahead, Onakoya’s record of 64 hours sets a new benchmark. There is speculation about future marathons reaching 72 hours or more. Summit School of Chess, in a satirical vein, is preparing students for a “Decade-Long Chess Game,” though logistical challenges like bathroom breaks remain. This humor underscores the marathon’s absurdity while highlighting chess’s potential for innovation. Tunde’s insights, such as the importance of snacks and the loudness of Times Square, add a personal touch. They suggest practical lessons for future marathoners (Chess.com – Tunde Onakoya and Shawn Martinez Break Record).
In conclusion, Onakoya’s 64-hour chess marathon in April 2025, as reported by reliable sources, is a testament to human endurance and chess’s evolving role in philanthropy and education. For Summit School of Chess, it’s an opportunity to blend humor with inspiration. They can push the boundaries of chess training while staying rooted in community impact.
Table: Summary of Chess Marathon Records
| Year | Players | Duration | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Hallvard Haug Flatebø, Sjur Ferkingstad | 56 hours, 9 minutes | Haugesund, Norway | Previous record, set in 2018 |
| 2024 (April) | Tunde Onakoya, Shawn Martinez | 60 hours | Times Square, NY | Initially broke 2018 record, not confirmed |
| 2024 (June) | Askild Bryn, Odin Blikra Vea | 61 hours, 3 minutes, 37 seconds | Stavanger, Norway | Surpassed Onakoya’s 60-hour record |
| 2025 (April) | Tunde Onakoya, Shawn Martinez | 64 hours | Times Square, NY | Current record, confirmed by media reports |
Key Citations
- Chess.com – Tunde Onakoya Shatters World Record With Chess Marathon In Times Square
- Chess.com – Tunde Onakoya and Shawn Martinez Break Guinness Record With 64-Hour Chess Marathon
- Businessday NG – Tunde Onakoya Breaks Guinness World Record for Longest Chess Marathon
- CNN – Tunde Onakoya Nigerian Chess Champion Breaks World Record for Longest Chess Marathon
- Chess.com – Chess Marathon Terms and Definitions
- Vanguard News – Tunde Onakoya Reaches 57-Hour Mark in Chess Marathon
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