This is the biography of Tunde Onakoya, the Nigerian chess master who, between April 17 and April 20, broke the broke the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon (64 hours) at the Times Square in New York. He set this record alongside U.S. chess master Shawn Martinez, following an initial 60-hour, 60-hour, 60-hour, record-breaking attempt in April 2024.
The chess guru has, however, come under fire following a designer flier where his name and picture are displayed as one of the guest speakers in the event. The event, set to be held in Lagos, is organised by Nigerian president’s son, Seyi Tinubu and his wife. As a result, some Nigerians have accused him of being political and biased.
Some referenced his bias to his visit to the President of Nigeria, president Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the former vice president of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar.
Tunde Onakoya background
Born on the 6th of October 1994, Tunde Onakoya grew up in Ikorodu. Growing up in a slum in Isale Odo in Ikorodu, Lagos, was hard as Tunde Onakoya picked up how to play the game of chess at a barbershop. His mother offered to work as a school cleaner in return for his school fees because she was unable to pay for his secondary education. Later on, he was regarded as Nigeria’s 13th best chess player.
Tunde Onakoya State of Origin
Tunde Onakoya hails from Lagos state, Nigeria.
Tunde Onakoya Career and Work Experience
While attending public schools in Lagos, Tunde developed his intellectual skills for chess. His most important lessons were learned outside of the classroom, even though he later studied computer science at Yaba College of Technology.
His stay in secondary school was tough as his mother had to work in his school so he could go to school. At the school, he joined the school chess club and won many tournaments for the school. Tunde also learned on his own using literature, practice, and sheer determination as he had access to prestigious mentors or costly instruction. He quickly started competing and winning events as his love for chess developed into mastery.
After he left Yaba College of Technology where he also won several tournaments for the school, Tunde started Chess in Slums Africa, an organization that has changed many lives in impoverished areas, since he was determined to increase his influence. Through this program, he helps kids develop critical thinking, literacy skills, and self-belief by using chess as a gateway to education and opportunity.
In 2024, he set out to beat the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon. The event, which took place in the center of Times Square in New York City, made headlines throughout the world. His first goal was to beat the previous record, which was achieved in 2018 by Norwegians Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad at 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds. Tunde showed mental toughness and unwavering focus by daringly extending his marathon to an astounding 60 hours, not content to just break it.
Beyond shattering records, Tunde is still a global symbol of optimism. He proudly demonstrated how chess can change lives when he and the Chess in Slums Africa team represented Nigeria at the Community Chess Conference in the United States in March 2025. They won numerous trophies and cash prizes.
Age
Tunde Onakoya is 31 years old.
Marriage
As at the time of filing this biography, Tunde Onakoya is unmarried and his relationship with any partner is not known yet.
Networth
As of now, ENigeria Newspaper does not have any information on the networth of Tunde Onakoya. However, Tunde Onakoya’s current net worth is likely to be in the millions of Naira.
Controversies
Tunde Onokoya has been under fire in the hands of ‘Obidients’ online with accusations that he is politically-motivated after visiting President Tinubu and former president Atiku Abubakar with a chessboard gift. They also accused him of not gifting former presidential candidate Peter Obi.
In defence, Tunde confirmed that he does not give out chess boards for free, and that whoever wants a chessboard for Peter Obi should pay for it.
