Norwegian Chess Enthusiasts Attempt Longest Chess Marathon Guinness World Record

Norwegian chess enthusiasts Askild Bryn and CM Odin Blikra Vea are gearing up to make history with an ambitious GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ attempt for the Longest Chess Marathon. The duo, aged 37 and 40 respectively, plan to stay awake and play non-stop blitz for a staggering 61 hours straight.

The idea for this record-breaking attempt was conceived a year ago, and after months of careful planning, Bryn and Blikra Vea are ready to take on the challenge. Their attempt will take place in Stavanger, Norway, coinciding with the Norway Chess tournament on June 2-5.

The current GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the Longest Chess Marathon is held by Norwegian FMs Sjur Ferkingstad and Hallvard Haug Flatebo, who played blitz for 56 hours and 9 minutes in 2018. However, Nigerian chess player Tunde Onakoya recently surpassed this mark by lasting 60 hours in Times Square, New York. To ensure their attempt is recognized, Bryn and Blikra Vea aim to play for 61 hours.

The two friends have undergone months of intensive training, including physical workouts, meditation, and countless hours of blitz chess. They even had training matches against GM Magnus Carlsen to prepare for the marathon.

According to the official rules, players are allowed five-minute breaks every hour or can choose to group them together for a longer 30-minute break every six hours. Bryn and Blikra Vea have carefully planned their breaks, as well as their eating, drinking, and resting schedules, to maximize their performance.

The duo will be raising funds for breast cancer research during their marathon attempt, aiming to support a good cause while chasing their dream of setting a new world record.

Will Askild and Odin break the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title? Stay tuned to find out and share your thoughts in the comments below!