Ghanaian female gamer wins Gaming World Record; makes history

Vanessa Azoumaro, a Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) student, has become the inaugural holder of the Guinness World Record for the longest video game marathon on the Ghost of Tsushima series.

Vanessa, a third-year Social Work student, won her record by playing the Ghost of Tsushima series for over 48 hours in an event at the SG Mall in Kumasi last July.

Guinness World Records confirmed the achievement this week (56 hours and 30 minutes), making her the first African woman to hold a record in the category.

The record arrives at a crucial moment for Ghana’s creative and tech sectors. A 2023 report from the Ghana Gaming Commission shows over 15% annual growth in the sector.

Although Vanessa has quickly become an overnight icon for aspiring gamers, her achievement could encourage schools and lawmakers to invest more in gaming and digital resources.

Having secured her place in the global record books, Azoumaro has become more than just a record-holder. Her talent and dedication are qualities that can motivate gamers across the continent.