CM Odin Blikra Vea and Askild Bryn played 383 five-minute blitz games over more than 61 hours to set a new Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon. In a new Chess.com documentary, the Norwegian duo revisits the highs, hallucinations, and hard-earned lessons behind their record-setting marathon.
“It was really fun to revisit that journey,” Bryn told Chess.com in an interview about the release. “The whole process lasted almost a year from the first time Odin and I discussed the idea. The months of preparation became such a huge part of our lives, and I think the documentary captures that very well.”
Now available on YouTube, the documentary takes viewers behind the scenes of the marathon, showcasing the extensive preparations, sleep-deprivation struggles, and mental challenges that accompanied one of the most remarkable endurance feats in chess history.
You can watch the documentary below:
The chess marathon took place in Stavanger during Norway Chess 2024, with every move from all 383 games streamed live on Chess.com.
The film follows not only the record attempt itself but also the extensive preparation leading up to it. Bryn and Blikra Vea underwent medical examinations, consulted with a neuropsychologist, tested nutrition plans, and spent countless hours working on their physical fitness. Their goal was clear: Surpass the previous record while maintaining a decent level of play.
“It was fun to be in that zone where you are working toward such a big and concrete goal,” Bryn said. “A lot of our everyday life revolved around the match and the record.”
The documentary also features appearances from their close GM friends Magnus Carlsen and David Howell. The grandmasters offered advice and support during the preparation phase.
One revelation from the documentary was how the duo dealt with the psychological challenges of prolonged sleep deprivation. Players were allowed only five-minute breaks per hour, which they could accumulate up to 30 minutes every six hours. The two used these opportunities for power-naps to sustain their marathon.
Blikra Vea previously revealed that he experienced hallucinations during the marathon; both players pointed to a stretch around 24 hours into the attempt as the lowest point.
“It was completely surreal. For about an hour and a half, both of us were sitting there complaining about how much we hated chess and how awful it was. Then suddenly it disappeared, and it became fun again,” he said.
For about an hour and a half, both of us were sitting there complaining about how much we hated chess and how awful it was.Â
—Odin Blikra Vea
Fortunately, the pair had been warned that such a moment might arrive. Neuropsychologist Thomas Mikkelbus had told them that after approximately 24 hours awake, the brain would begin convincing the body that continuing was pointless. “Having those conversations beforehand was almost decisive in helping us succeed,” Bryn said.
For the two friends, the documentary is also a story about how ambitions and love for the game can have just as much impact as rating points. Neither of them is an elite player, but the event succeeded in generating interest. More than 1.7 million tuned in to the broadcast during the 61 hours it lasted.
“We wanted to tell our story and maybe inspire other chess players who aren’t necessarily super strong,” Bryn said. “This is a record that two 1500-rated players could theoretically achieve. It’s not about chess strength. It’s about setting a goal and pursuing it.”
Blikra Vea added: “If you don’t love playing chess, sitting there for 61 hours would be incredibly difficult,” he said.
If you don’t love playing chess, sitting there for 61 hours would be incredibly difficult.
—Odin Blikra Vea
Bryn, who works as a video producer for Chess.com, says he still encounters people at tournaments who recognize him as “the Guinness record holder.” Even people who rarely followed chess broadcasts were captivated by the challenge.
One of them was Howell’s sister, who had never shown much interest in the game despite her brother’s career. She stayed up late checking the games to see whether they were still playing.
“It shows that people didn’t need to be huge chess fans to find it fascinating,” Bryn said. “It was about the journey and the big goal. You automatically start cheering for people who have taken on a challenge like that.”
Last year, Tunde Onakoya and NM Shawn Martinez surpassed their record with a 64-hour chess marathon in New York’s Times Square. However, the Norwegians are not ready to close the chapter yet and revealed to Chess.com they would like to take the record back:
“We’d like to do it again. It’s still something we feel ownership of. It feels like our record,” Bryn said.
For now, the Norwegian duo is happy to share the story behind the achievement that showed how far passion for the game can take you.
