A 24-year-old Nigerian man, Oside Oluwole, known by his gaming alias “Khoded,” has broken the world record for the longest marathon playing a soccer video game, clocking in at an impressive 75 hours.
Oside’s remarkable feat on a video game far exceeded the previous record of 50 hours, set by Englishman David Whitefoot in 2022.
A biochemist by qualification and currently working as a car dealer, Oside embarked on this challenging endeavor to raise funds for a local hospital in his hometown of Ijebu Ode.
In a unique twist, Oside chose to play the mobile game Dream League Soccer 2023 on his iPhone, connected to a TV screen, diverging from previous record holders who favored FIFA or Pro Evolution Soccer.
His marathon gaming session included over 500 matches, demonstrating his deep-rooted passion for the free-to-play soccer simulation game, which he has enjoyed since 2016.
As per Guinness World Records’ guidelines for “longest marathon” records, Oside was allowed five minutes of rest for every hour of gaming. These breaks were his only opportunities to eat, nap, or use the toilet. Reflecting on the experience, he said, “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.”
Oside’s achievement drew the attention of Hon. Seun Adesanya, a member of the Ogun State House of Assembly, who praised his dedication and perseverance.
In a press release, Adesanya stated, “The Guinness World Records title is a testament to Mr. Oluwole’s dedication, determination, and the countless hours of practice he invested in mastering the game. His achievement stands as an inspiration to all aspiring gamers and an embodiment of the unyielding spirit of determination that drives our nation.”
The magnitude of Oside’s accomplishment is unprecedented, as no one has previously broken this record by such a large margin. The record, originally set at 24 hours in 2010, had gradually increased to 50 hours over the past 11 years before Oside’s groundbreaking performance.
Inspired by Nigerian Chef Hilda Baci’s record-breaking cook-a-thon last year, which captivated Nigeria, Oside hopes to continue setting world records in soccer video gaming, including those on popular consoles like FIFA and PES.
