Tunde Onakoya, a renowned Nigerian chess master, is embarking on an extraordinary challenge to break his own Guinness World Record by playing chess for an astounding 70 hours straight in the heart of New York’s Times Square.

This ambitious endeavor, announced via a post on X by Nigeria Stories, builds on Onakoya’s previous record of 60 hours set in April 2024.

Beyond the pursuit of a new record, Onakoya’s mission is deeply rooted in his passion for transforming the lives of underprivileged children through his initiative, Chess in Slums Africa.

The accompanying image captures the essence of his journey: on one side, Onakoya is seen deeply focused at a chessboard, while on the other, a group of children proudly wave the Nigerian flag, representing the hope and empowerment he seeks to foster.

Onakoya’s story is one of resilience and purpose. Having grown up in one of Nigeria’s toughest neighborhoods, he discovered chess as a tool for mental growth and opportunity.

In 2018, he founded Chess in Slums Africa with a bold vision to uplift children from marginalized communities across the continent.

Through this initiative, he has already impacted over 200 young lives, teaching them not just the game of chess but also critical life skills like strategic thinking, resilience, and self-confidence.

His organization uses a unique framework called C.A.S.T.L.E., which integrates chess with STEM education and socio-emotional development to help children overcome adversity and build brighter futures.

The 70-hour chess marathon is more than a test of endurance; it’s a platform to amplify his charitable efforts.

During his previous record-breaking attempt in 2024, Onakoya played for 60 hours against National Master Shawn Martinez in Times Square, surpassing the prior record of 56 hours and 9 minutes.

That marathon was a grueling experience, with Onakoya battling intense physical challenges, including vomiting, stomach pain, and extreme fatigue.

Despite these hardships, his determination never wavered, and the event raised $110,000 for children’s chess education—a testament to the global support for his cause. Onakoya’s ultimate goal is to raise $1 million to fund educational programs for children in African slums, where access to quality education is often limited.

The image shared on X tells a powerful story of contrast and unity. Onakoya’s solitary focus at the chessboard reflects his personal commitment to the game and the cause, while the group of children holding the Nigerian flag symbolizes the collective hope and pride of a community.

These children, many of whom come from the slums of Nigeria, are the heart of Onakoya’s mission. Through chess, he aims to provide them with a way out of poverty, improve their mental health, and equip them with the tools to navigate life’s challenges.

As he noted in an interview with Olympics.com, “Chess is a great equalizer. It’s a game where anyone can play. It doesn’t matter whether you’re black or white, disabled, rich, or poor.”

Onakoya’s work has garnered international attention, with major media outlets like CNN, the BBC, and the New York Times covering his 2024 marathon.

His efforts have also received support from organizations like the Canadian High Commission, which has praised Chess in Slums Africa for its transformative impact.

As Onakoya takes on this new 70-hour challenge, the world watches in anticipation, inspired by his unwavering dedication to rewriting the stories of children in Nigeria’s slums—one chess move at a time.