Foosball competition in Mexico City breaks Guinness Record

Seven hours and 15 rivals, that's all Juan Presa Paulino and his son had to overcome to win this table football tournament and get the opportunity to travel to the 2018 World Cup final in Russia .

The tournament, held last Sunday at Mexico City's Zocalo, was organized by the company Minigols Mexico and the Mexico City Government and had the participation of 1, 083 people .

“Mexico City sets a new Guinness Record with the largest number of people playing table football at the same time in the Zócalo,” reads the tweet of the Mexico City government:

The registration for the tournament was done online and there was a fee of MXN$ 500 per pair.

The goal was to break the Guinness World Record for the largest table football tournament.

(Photo: Irvin Olivares/EL UNIVERSAL)

Mr. Presa, 55, endured with an iron-will the midday sun in Mexico City, the cramps on his legs, and the setbacks of the game. He found himself three times among the lowest scores but managed to get back to the top every time.

“Truth is we didn't think we'll make it to the final, least of all win. It's the first time I win something!” he says laughing, “People told me I was good at playing foosball but you can never imagine you'll win such a prize. I can't believe it!”

Mr. Presa, who came from Toluca, arrived at 5:00 am at the square to seize up his rivals.

“Now I'm taking [my son] with me to the World Cup!” Mr. Presa exclaims.

The World Guinness Record was given to the representatives of Mexico City Government and to the company Minigols México, who certified before a notary public the attendance of all the participants.

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