A 24-year-old Nigerian man named Oside Oluwole, who goes by the gaming alias ‘Khoded’, has set a new world record for the longest marathon playing a soccer video game, achieving an astounding 75 hours of continuous play.
Oside’s impressive achievement significantly surpassed the previous record of 50 hours, held by Englishman David Whitefoot since 2022.
With a background in biochemistry and a current career as a car dealer, Oside took on this arduous challenge to raise funds for a local hospital in his hometown of Ijebu Ode.
In a distinctive move, Oside opted to play Dream League Soccer 2023 on his iPhone, connected to a TV screen, unlike previous record holders who preferred FIFA or Pro Evolution Soccer.
His marathon gaming session saw him playing over 500 matches, showcasing his deep passion for the free-to-play soccer simulation game, which he has been a fan of since 2016.
According to Guinness World Records’ guidelines for “longest marathon” records, Oside was allowed a five-minute rest for every hour of gaming. These brief breaks were his only chances to eat, nap, or use the bathroom. 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 remarkable achievement attracted the attention of a member of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Seun Adesanya, who commended his dedication and perseverance.
In a press release, Adesanya remarked, “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.”
Oside’s feat is unprecedented, with no one previously breaking this record by such a large margin. Initially set at 24 hours in 2010, the record had slowly 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 captured Nigeria’s attention, Oside hopes to continue setting world records in soccer video gaming, including those on popular consoles like FIFA and PES.
