It was a moment of triumph and celebration on Monday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City as Bolade Bezi, a member of the Edo State Esports Association, made history by setting a new Guinness World Record in Esports.
Bolade completed a total marathon duration of 57 hours, 10 minutes, and 5 seconds, including rest breaks, while playing the iconic video game series “God of War.” Her actual gameplay time stood at 49 hours, 0 minutes, and 14 seconds, starting from Friday and wrapping up successfully at the Media Center of the stadium.
With this feat, she shattered the previous record of 24 hours, 25 minutes, held by German gamers Peer Bresser and Jimmie Smets, set during a hack-and-slash video game marathon at Pro7 Games in Cologne, Germany, on November 8–9, 2017.
Bolade’s marathon gaming session was not only an attempt to make history but also a mission to raise awareness about mental health, specifically targeting depression and anxiety, which she described as two major challenges facing modern society.
Speaking to sports journalists after her record-breaking performance, Bolade, a clinical physiologist, expressed deep gratitude:
“This was a challenge I prepared for mentally and physically. Sleep deprivation was my biggest obstacle, but I thank God and the Edo ESports Association for standing by me. This record is not just for me—it’s to announce the arrival of ESports in Edo State.”
The Chairman of the Edo ESports Association, Ovebedaro Dean Bezi, and Secretary Mrs. Ikerebe Peace Karlsson, were elated by the milestone, calling it a bold statement of Edo State’s growing presence in the global gaming community.
They also applauded the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, for his unwavering support, emphasizing that Bolade’s record achievement has put Edo’s ESports firmly on the map.
Ovebedaro noted,
“This world record is a powerful way to announce ESports in Edo State. Bolade’s success is our success, and we look forward to more milestones.”
The Guinness World Record attempt, blending competitive gaming with advocacy, has not only brought pride to Edo State but also spotlighted ESports as a platform for social change.
