From the narrow alleys of Ikorodu to the electric lights of Times Square, Tunde Onakoya has emerged as one of Africa’s most compelling modern icons, a chess maestro not just for his sharp mind, but for the heart that fuels his moves.
In April 2025, he made global headlines when he broke the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon, playing non-stop for 64 hours in New York City. But for Onakoya, the win wasn’t about glory, it was about purpose.
Born on October 6, 1994, in the bustling city of Lagos, Tunde grew up in the densely populated community of Ikorodu. He discovered chess in the most unlikely of places, a barbershop and despite limited means, began mastering the game with an intensity that could not be ignored.
His mother, a cleaner, fought hard to keep him in school, and he later went on to study Computer Science at Yaba College of Technology, where he began collecting national titles, including gold at the Nigeria Polytechnic Games.
But it’s what he chose to do with his talent that has set Tunde Onakoya apart. In 2018, he founded Chess in Slums Africa, a visionary non-profit that uses the game of chess to empower children from underserved communities.
Through this initiative, he has transformed lives in some of Nigeria’s most marginalized neighborhoods; Makoko, Majidun, and Oshodi, providing not just chess lessons, but scholarships, mentorship, and hope. His work proves that a chessboard, with its 64 squares, can become a platform for change.
When Tunde set out to break the world record in 2025, he did so alongside National Master Shawn Martinez, playing continuously for 64 hours in Times Square. The symbolism was powerful, 64 hours for 64 squares, each hour a testament to discipline, resilience, and vision. More than just a stunt, the marathon aimed to raise $1 million to fund educational initiatives for children across Africa.
His victory reverberated beyond the chess world. Presidents, celebrities, and global citizens applauded his effort, but Tunde remains rooted in his mission: to open minds and unlock potential where others have seen only limits.
His story is now a masterclass in grit and grace, and a reminder that greatness can rise from anywhere.
