KNUST Graduand Vanessa Selase Azoumaro Sets Guinness World Record for Longest Ghost of Tsushima Video Game Marathon
In a remarkable feat of endurance and passion, Vanessa Selase Azoumaro, a recent graduand of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Ghana, has etched her name in history by setting a new Guinness World Record for the longest video game marathon. On July 29, 2024, at SG Mall in Kumasi, Vanessa played the critically acclaimed Ghost of Tsushima series for an astounding 56 hours, 30 minutes, and 43 seconds, surpassing the previous record and captivating the global gaming community.
Vanessa, a Social Work student at KNUST during the attempt, embarked on this grueling challenge with a clear goal: to push the boundaries of gaming endurance. Initially planned to take place on the KNUST campus, the event was relocated to SG Mall in Kumasi, where supporters gathered to cheer her on. Starting on July 26, 2024, Vanessa aimed to break the existing record of 48 hours, set in 2015 by Carrie Swidecki for playing Just Dance 2015. Not only did she achieve this, but she extended her marathon by over eight hours, setting a new benchmark in the category.
The Ghost of Tsushima series, a single-player action-adventure game developed by Sucker Punch Productions, is renowned for its immersive storytelling and stunning visuals set in feudal Japan. Vanessa’s choice of this game showcased her dedication to a title that demands focus and skill, making her marathon even more impressive. Under Guinness World Records rules, she was allowed brief breaks for essentials like hydration and rest, ensuring the attempt adhered to strict safety and fairness standards.
On October 21, 2025, Guinness World Records officially certified Vanessa’s achievement, confirming her as the new record holder for the longest video game marathon. The announcement sparked widespread celebration across Ghana and beyond, with social media platforms like 𝕏 (formerly Twitter) buzzing with posts from accounts such as @eddie_wrt and @Oseionline_, sharing images of her certificate and clips from the event. Ghanaian news outlets, including MyJoyOnline and GhanaWeb, hailed her as a trailblazer, emphasizing the significance of her accomplishment for the country’s growing gaming community.
Vanessa’s record is more than a personal triumph; it’s a landmark moment for Ghana’s burgeoning gaming culture. Her determination has inspired countless young gamers, proving that passion and perseverance can lead to global recognition. The event, supported by the local community in Kumasi, highlighted the growing enthusiasm for gaming in Ghana, a country increasingly making its mark in the digital and creative industries.
Speaking after the confirmation, Vanessa said:
“This was more than just a game – it was a test of resilience, focus, and belief. I wanted to prove that young Africans, especially women, can break boundaries and make history in any field. I’m deeply thankful to KNUST, my friends, and every Ghanaian who supported me through this journey.”
As the first official holder of this specific Guinness World Record title, Vanessa Selase Azoumaro has set a high bar for future challengers. Her achievement joins over 50,000 records tracked by Guinness, with video game marathons emerging as a dynamic and competitive category. While the gaming world awaits the release of Ghost of Yōtei, the sequel to Ghost of Tsushima, Vanessa’s record stands as a testament to the power of dedication and the universal appeal of gaming.
