Chess champion and social entrepreneur, Tunde Onakoya, has rounded off 2025 with a string of global milestones, partnerships, and awards, consolidating his growing influence in education, sports and social impact through his organisation, Chess in Slums Africa.
Onakoya, a national chess master and founder of the non-profit organisation, Chess in Slums Africa, disclosed the achievements in a year-end reflection titled “My 2025 wrapped,” detailing how the year combined international recognition with grassroots development for disadvantaged children.
Among the major highlights was his partnership with MTN, alongside paid speaking engagements across 17 cities worldwide, positioning him as one of Nigeria’s most visible advocates for youth development through chess.
The social impact advocate also led Nigerian children to international success, taking five children to the United States, where they won multiple medals across tournaments in Atlanta and New York, including a gold medal at the United Nations Games.
Reflecting on 2025, Onakoya said, “I gained so much this year but it was also filled with many painful losses and hard lessons. My health also suffered greatly as I completely neglected self.”
He added, “Above all, I’m grateful. Thank you all for being a part of my unfolding story, and I hope you have an incredible 2026.”
Onakoya’s advocacy extended into elite academic spaces, with speaking engagements at the Harvard Africa Business Conference, MIT, Harvard Graduate School of Design, and New York State University, culminating in a keynote address at the United Nations.
In April, he made global headlines after setting a new world record for the longest chess marathon, playing continuously for 64 hours in Times Square, alongside American chess advocate Shawn Martinez.
His organisation also recorded domestic victories, as Chess in Slums Africa students won gold at the Key Academy Chess Masters Tournament and tied for first place at the Ecobank Chess Tournament, competing against over 500 schools nationwide.
Speaking on the broader mission, he said, “My most important achievement this year is we sponsored the education of thousands of children, gave out many scholarships and kickstarted our 10-year vision to build the biggest chess academy and free school in the world.”
The Chess in Slums Innovation Hub, supported by Lufthansa Help Alliance, trained thousands of children in design, robotics, chess and artificial intelligence, earning second place at the STEMite NAFESS Innovation Challenge.
The year also saw the release of a children’s book about him, written by Lola Shoneyin, which won Children’s Book of the Year at the Akada Book Festival.
Onakoya was also selected for the United States State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Programme (IVLP), joining 20 fellows from across the globe.
Commercial success followed his advocacy, with the launch of a luxury chess board co-designed with Neo Chess, selling all 100 units at N1 million each within six hours, while a chess-themed Hennessy campaign featured him alongside Grammy-winning singer TEMS.
Despite the accolades, Onakoya concluded his reflection with a personal resolve, stating that 2026 would focus on health, loved ones, and sustainability, while reaffirming his belief in dreams yet unseen.
