Nigerian shatters world record with 75-hour videogame marathon

A 24-year-old Nigerian man, Oside Oluwole, known as “Khoded,” has set a new Guinness World Record for the “longest videogame marathon playing a soccer game.”

According to Guinness World Records in a report via its website on Tuesday, Oluwole played for an astonishing 75 hours, far surpassing the previous record of 50 hours held by Englishman David Whitefoot since 2022.

The biochemist-turned-car dealer from Ijebu Ode chose Dream League Soccer 2023, a mobile game he’s been passionate about since 2016, for his record attempt.

Unlike previous record holders who used FIFA or Pro Evolution Soccer, Oluwole played on his iPhone connected to a TV screen.

“I really enjoyed myself playing for 75 hours straight with just some hours of rest. It wasn’t an easy task, but I must say it was all fun. It was such a great moment; the event was very interesting and I’m grateful to God that it was successful,” Oluwole said.

Following GWR rules, Oluwole was allowed five minutes of rest for every hour of gameplay. During his marathon, he played over 500 matches.

The record attempt was not just for personal glory as Oluwole used the opportunity to raise funds for a local hospital in his hometown.

His achievement has garnered praise from local officials, including Seun Adesanya of the Ogun State House of Assembly, who called it a testament to Mr Oluwole’s dedication, determination, and the countless hours of practice he invested in mastering the game.

Adesanya wrote, “The Guinness World Record for longest videogame marathon playing a soccer game is a testament to Mr Oluwole’s dedication, determination, and the countless hours of practice he invested in mastering the game.”

Oluwole’s feat is particularly noteworthy as he broke the record by an unprecedented margin. Since its establishment in 2010 with a 24-hour time, the record had been broken seven times in 11 years before reaching 50 hours.

Inspired by Chef Hilda Baci’s cook-a-thon that captured Nigeria’s attention last year, Oluwole now aims to set more world records in soccer video games, including console games like FIFA and PES.