Chess master Tunde Onakoya is attempting a 70-hour Guinness World Record chess marathon in Times Square. As with his previous record-breaking run, the goal is much bigger than the game itself. Tunde hopes to inspire people around the world and rally support to build the largest free school for homeless children in Nigeria. He’s also extended an open invitation to every chess player in New York City to come and challenge them in Times Square. Preview / Details and schedule
The record attempt starts April 17 and Chessdom will cover the event live at this page (refresh for the latest info, coverage starts soon). The Tunde Onakoya will be part of the FIRST edition of the Chessdom newsletter, that is scheduled to start next week. Signup for free in the form below
20.04.2025 12:00, New York
The record is official! Tunde Onakoya says, “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!”
20.04.2025 03:00, New York
Record broken! Tunde Onakoya and Shawn Martinez have played 62 hours of chess non-stop, a record marathon!
19.04.2025 13:00, New York
Two full days of chess! What Tunde Onakoya is doing is tremendous!
19.04.2025 10:00, New York
Now it is the 45 hours mark for the record attempt of Tunde Onakoya
18.04.2025 19:00, New York
The 30 hour mark of the world chess record is here!
18.04.2025 16:00, New York
It is 27 hours!
18.04.2025 13:00, New York
24 hours! A full day of chess by Tunde Onakoya. 70 hours is the target
09:00, New York
20 hours mark! 50 to go! Tunde says, “It’s about the child who never got a seat at the table. The ones who never got to dream beyond survival. Every move I make is for them. This is more than a Guinness World Record attempt — It’s a love letter to the forgotten. A dream unfolding in real time. We’re raising $1,000,000 to build a tuition-free school for homeless children. A home for learning, healing, and second chances. Last year, we made history. This year, we’re building legacy. If you’re in New York, come stand with us. St. Luke’s Theater, 308 West 46th Street. We need volunteers. Timekeepers. Storytellers. Dreamers. Anyone who believes in what we’re building.”
01:00, New York
Half a day of chess! Tunde Onakoya is now at the 12 hour mark!
23:00, New York
Tunde Onakoya crosses the 10 hours mark in his world record attempt for a chess marathon. No sign of tiredness!
18:00, New York
It’s been five hours now of the chess record marathon of Tunde Onakoya
17:00, New York
It’s been four hours since Tunde Onakoya started his record attempt. Tunde is in good spirits, the supporters around him too! Their task is not easier, they have to cheer for 70 hours, a record of its own!
16:15, New York
Three hours into the record – picture by The Gift of Chess
14:20, New York
A lovely promotion for chess, as Yunde Onakoya continues his record attempt
11:21, New York
This is it! The record attempt of Tunde Onakoya has begun!
11:00, New York
Here are the main actors of the day, or better said of the next 70 hours, ready on stage – Times Square, New York!
08:25, New York
Tunde Onakoya is ready for the record attempt! Joining Tunde Onakoya on this mission is fellow chess coach and US National Master, Shawn Martinez.
