Nigerian Chess Player Tunde Onakoya and NM Shawn Martinez Break Guinness World Record for Longest Chess Marathon
Nigerian chess player Tunde Onakoya and NM Shawn Martinez have made history by officially breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon, playing continuously for an incredible 64 hours on New York’s iconic Times Square.
The marathon session began on April 17 and concluded in the early hours of Sunday morning, April 20. Both players displayed incredible determination and resilience throughout the grueling challenge. “We did the impossible and gave the world something new to believe in,” Onakoya shared on his Twitter account.
Martinez also expressed his thoughts on the experience, stating, “It was a painful ride. It took a lot. I am kind of lost for words right now.” Despite the physical and mental challenges they faced, the duo pushed through and achieved their goal.
Initially aiming for 70 hours, Onakoya and Martinez decided to end the marathon after 64 hours, symbolically representing the total number of squares on a chessboard. The official verification by Guinness confirmed their record-breaking achievement.
The previous record of 61 hours, 3 minutes, and 34 seconds was set by a Norwegian duo in 2024. Onakoya’s previous attempt at a 60-hour marathon with Martinez also raised funds for children’s education in Africa but was not officially recognized as a world record.
The event was meticulously documented and adhered to strict guidelines set by Guinness, including continuous play by the same two players and immediate setup of new games. Two-time U.S. Women’s Champion Jennifer Shahade served as an official witness and shared her experience on her Substack page.
Organized by The Gift of Chess, a nonprofit dedicated to donating chess sets globally, the marathon drew support from students and chess enthusiasts. Onakoya, the founder of Chess in Slums Africa, aims to raise $1 million for children’s education in Africa through his organization.
Martinez, a national master and chess coach, also plays a significant role in promoting chess education in New York City. The duo’s record-breaking achievement is a testament to their dedication to using chess as a tool for positive change.
To learn more about Tunde Onakoya’s nonprofit organization and support their cause, visit their official website. The incredible feat achieved by Onakoya and Martinez highlights the power of chess to inspire and make a difference in the world.