Nigerian chess master Tunde Onakoya (2165) has successfully completed a 70-hour chess marathon in New York’s Times Square, setting a new Guinness World Record while raising awareness for chess education in underserved communities.

Tunde Onakoya

Tunde Onakoya

Chess in Slums Africa founder

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The founder of “Chess in Slums Africa” returned to Times Square for his second world record attempt, surpassing his previous achievement. The marathon, which began on April 18, concluded with Onakoya completing over 70 hours of continuous play, supported by Sterling Bank and numerous followers monitoring his progress online.

Onakoya established Chess in Slums Africa to bring chess education to children in underserved communities across Nigeria and other African nations. His previous initiatives have gained international recognition for using chess as an educational tool to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills among youth.