KNUST Graduate Earns Global Recognition with 56-Hour Video Game Marathon
KNUST Graduate Sets Record
A Ghanaian graduate from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Vanessa Selase Azoumaro, has been officially recognized by Guinness World Records (GWR) for completing the longest video game marathon in history. She achieved an astonishing playtime of 56 hours and 30 minutes, surpassing her initial 48-hour target.
The gaming feat took place from Friday, July 26 to Monday, July 29, 2024, at the Republic Hall Common Area on the KNUST campus in Kumasi. Vanessa played the acclaimed Ghost of Tsushima video game series continuously under strict monitoring to ensure she met all Guinness World Record standards. Her achievement makes her the first person in the world to hold this particular record.
Azoumaro’s gaming marathon began as a personal challenge to test her endurance and dedication. Supported by friends, university officials, and volunteers who ensured she stayed hydrated and well-monitored, she pushed through exhaustion, mental fatigue, and sleep deprivation to complete her target.
“I wanted to prove that gaming is not just a hobby—it’s an art of focus and determination,” Vanessa shared in a post-event interview. “It takes strategy, endurance, and a lot of mental strength.”
The attempt attracted a steady crowd of onlookers and fellow students who cheered her on throughout the weekend. Some students described her performance as “a source of pride for KNUST” and a reflection of how Ghanaian youth are expanding their reach into global creative spaces.
Vanessa’s world record achievement is more than a personal milestone—it symbolizes Ghana’s growing involvement in the global gaming and e-sports industry. The gaming culture, once seen as a pastime for young people, is fast evolving into a professional field that combines creativity, storytelling, and technology.
According to a 2024 report by Newzoo, the African gaming market is expected to grow by over 12% annually, with Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya emerging as the fastest-growing markets. Increased internet access, affordable gaming consoles, and the rise of mobile gaming have fueled interest among young Africans.
In Ghana, this transformation is reflected in initiatives such as the Accra Game Festival, E-sports Ghana Association, and tech-oriented clubs at major universities like KNUST and the University of Ghana. These platforms encourage innovation and provide exposure for local talent.
Vanessa’s success, therefore, places Ghana on the global map of e-sports and digital entertainment, proving that the country’s youth are capable of excelling in modern, technology-driven fields.
The Ghost of Tsushima series—developed by Sucker Punch Productions—is a Japanese-themed action-adventure game that demands concentration, strategy, and quick reflexes. Playing it continuously for more than 56 hours required not only technical skill but also immense physical and mental stamina.
Medical personnel and timekeepers were present throughout the event to ensure Vanessa met GWR’s health and verification standards. Under the rules, players are allowed a five-minute break for every hour of gameplay, which can be accumulated for longer rest periods. Vanessa reportedly used her breaks strategically to rest and hydrate before resuming.
After completing the marathon, she submitted video footage, logs, and witness statements to Guinness World Records for validation. Months later, the organization officially confirmed her status as the new world record holder.
Vanessa’s story has inspired many young people across Ghana and beyond. Students, especially women in technology and gaming, have celebrated her success as proof that perseverance can open doors in unconventional fields.
KNUST’s Dean of Students, in a congratulatory message, described her achievement as “a remarkable testament to how determination and innovation can bring international recognition to Ghanaian youth.” The university has also hinted at plans to expand digital and gaming-related clubs on campus following the global attention her record attracted.
For young Africans, this record represents a broader message: that innovation, creativity, and persistence can lead to global success, even in areas traditionally dismissed as leisure.
Vanessa’s achievement comes at a time when more Ghanaian figures are gaining recognition in global gaming and entertainment circles. In a related development, Ghanaian footballer Mohammed Kudus recently expressed excitement about the potential inclusion of his trademark goal celebration in the upcoming EA Sports FC 25 video game. Kudus’ signature move—sitting on an advertising board and folding his arms after scoring—has become a viral trend replicated by several international players.
Both Kudus and Vanessa’s stories reflect Ghana’s expanding presence in the digital entertainment industry, blending sports, gaming, and culture. This trend mirrors a broader African movement toward innovation in technology, design, and creative expression.
Vanessa Selase Azoumaro’s world record is a beacon of what is possible when passion meets perseverance. Beyond personal accomplishment, her success reinforces Ghana’s role as a rising hub for digital creativity and e-sports in Africa.
Her journey—from a KNUST student experimenting with gaming to a globally recognized record holder—highlights how Africa’s youth are redefining success through technology and innovation. As digital industries continue to expand, stories like Vanessa’s will likely inspire more young Africans to pursue excellence in areas once considered niche.
Her name now stands not just in the Guinness World Records but as a symbol of determination, resilience, and the power of modern African ambition.
