Azerbaijan's chess legend sets Guinness World Record for longest-running show PHOTO

13 May 2025 20:15

Vice President of the Azerbaijan Chess Federation Faig Hasanov has once again etched his name into the Guinness World Records, this time for hosting the longest-running chess show in history.

At a special ceremony held on Azerbaijani television to celebrate the achievement, Sheida Subashi, a representative from Guinness World Records, confirmed that Hasanov's show, "Television Chess Club", has been airing since March 27, 1969, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

The show, which has been broadcast for 55 years and 277 days, has officially earned the title of the longest-running sports show on television. In her remarks, Subashi praised Hasanov for his exceptional dedication to the promotion of chess and for maintaining the show's remarkable longevity.

Hasanov's achievement is not limited to this latest honour. Just last month, he was inducted into the Guinness World Records for having the longest career as a chess referee, with a career spanning an extraordinary 60 years and 149 days.

Earlier, Hasanov officially earned a place in the Guinness Book of Records for his outstanding career as a chess referee.

This prestigious recognition was announced at a special event celebrating his 85th anniversary. During the event, it was revealed that Hasanov has been officially recognised by the Guinness World Records as the male chess judge with the longest career in the history of the sport.

Hasanov’s career as a chess referee began in 1964 with his first international tournament in Baku. Over the years, he officiated numerous prestigious events, including sports contests between the nations of the USSR. In 1980, he was awarded the title of International Arbiter by FIDE. Hasanov has served as a referee for World and European Championships, Olympiads, and the World Team Chess Championship. He also officiated the Linares tournament for 20 years and was the chief arbiter of the first FIDE Grand Prix tournament in Baku. Notably, he was a member of the reconstituted Appeal Committee during the 2006 World Chess Championship.