In an extraordinary feat of endurance and passion, 24-year-old Nigerian gamer, Oside Oluwole, popularly known as ‘Khoded’, has set a new Guinness World Records (GWR) for the longest videogame marathon playing a soccer game.
Oluwole’s impressive marathon lasted an astonishing 75 hours, significantly surpassing the previous record of 50 hours set by Englishman David Whitefoot in 2022. Guinness World Records confirmed the achievement on their website on Tuesday, celebrating Oluwole’s dedication and resilience.
A biochemist turned car dealer from Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Oluwole selected Dream League Soccer 2023, a mobile game he has been passionate about since 2016, for his record-breaking attempt. Unlike previous record holders who played FIFA or Pro Evolution Soccer, Oluwole played on his iPhone connected to a TV screen.
Reflecting on his marathon session, Oluwole shared, “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.”
Guinness World Records allowed Oluwole five minutes of rest for every hour of gameplay. During his marathon, he played over 500 matches, demonstrating his exceptional stamina and commitment.
Beyond personal achievement, Oluwole’s record attempt had a charitable component. He used the event to raise funds for a local hospital in his hometown, showcasing his commitment to giving back to his community.
Local officials have praised Oluwole’s accomplishment. Seun Adesanya of the Ogun State House of Assembly called it “a testament to Mr. Oluwole’s dedication, determination, and the countless hours of practice he invested in mastering the game.”
Adesanya further elaborated, “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 achievement is particularly remarkable given the substantial margin by which he broke the previous record. 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 captivated Nigeria last year, Oluwole now aims to set more world records in soccer video games, including console games like FIFA and PES. His determination and passion continue to inspire many in the gaming community and beyond.
