… Completes 57-hour gaming session in historic feat
By Edward Oseghe
History was made at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on Monday, as Bolade Bezi, a member of the Edo State Esports Association, set a new Guinness World Record for the longest video game marathon on a hack-and-slash game.
Bezi completed an astonishing 57 hours, 10 minutes, and 5 seconds (including rest periods), playing the popular “God of War” video game series.
Her actual gameplay time totaled 49 hours, 0 minutes, and 14 seconds — surpassing the previous world record of 24 hours, 25 minutes, achieved by Germany’s Peer Bresser and Jimmie Smets during a marathon session on the Pro7 Games set in Cologne, Germany, in November 2017.
Bezi began her record-breaking attempt on Friday at the Media Center of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, concluding in the early hours of Monday to cheers and celebration from supporters, officials, and members of the Edo State sporting community.
Speaking with sports journalists shortly after completing the feat, Bezi, a clinical physiologist by profession, expressed a sense of fulfillment and shared the motivation behind her attempt.
“I embarked on this challenge to raise awareness for mental health, particularly depression and anxiety, which are two major issues affecting young people today.
“This was physically and mentally demanding — sleep deprivation was the biggest hurdle. But with determination and support from the Edo State Esports Association and the Sports Commission, I was able to push through,” she said.
Bezi also extended her gratitude to the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, and to the growing esports community in Edo State for their unwavering encouragement throughout the marathon.
Chairman of the Edo State Esports Association, Ovebedaro Dean Bezi, and the association’s Secretary, Mrs. Ikerebe Peace Karlsson, hailed Bolade’s achievement as a landmark moment for the burgeoning esports scene in the state.
“This is more than a record — it is a powerful statement.
“With this global achievement, we are officially putting Edo State on the esports map. We thank the State Sports Commission for believing in the vision and for the backing that made this possible,” Ovebedaro said.
The success of Bolade Bezi’s marathon is expected to further energize the esports movement in Edo State and across Nigeria, signaling new opportunities for digital athletes and a growing recognition of competitive gaming as a professional sport.
