Watch: Teenager beats British racing driver Jenson Button's reflex world record on Batak Board in Birmingham

Jenson Button’s reflex world record on the Batak board has been beaten by teenager James Griffith at the Insomnia Gaming show at the NEC
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

A teenager has beaten Jenson Button's reflex record on the Batak board thanks to his lightning-fast reactions - perfected by playing video games in Birmingham. 

The game involves correctly striking as many randomly lit buttons on a light board as possible in 30 seconds - and is used by athletes to improve reaction speed.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In February last year, Jenson set a new Guinness World Record with a score of 58. But his record looks like it could be taken by James Griffith, 18, who had a go at the UK’s biggest gaming festival, Insomnia, at the NEC. A video shows him getting a score of 60.

And while it doesn't count as an official world record, because it wasn't attempted under Guinness conditions - it was recorded and he did beat Jenson's score.

James Griffith in front of the Batak board at Birmingham NECJames Griffith in front of the Batak board at Birmingham NEC
James Griffith in front of the Batak board at Birmingham NEC

James, a maths and physics student from Cambridge, known as 'Jammy' in the gaming world, said: "I am ecstatic to have smashed the world record in Batak, but to do it against Jenson Button, was just insane."

The Batak light reaction machine is often used to improve F1 drivers’ reaction speed, hand co-ordination and stamina. Targets light up across the board and participants must hit each light within an allotted time - to test their ability to respond quickly and their peripheral vision.

James Griffith in front of the Batak board at Birmingham NECJames Griffith in front of the Batak board at Birmingham NEC
James Griffith in front of the Batak board at Birmingham NEC
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

James had a go at the game at the gaming festival which was at the NEC Birmingham between March 28 and April 1. It was part of a competition run by Woystone - an eSports clothing brand - at a stand the company was hosting with EE and GX, who make gaming tech. James won the competition - and beat Jenson's record - on his second attempt, while wearing a Woystone kit.

Woystone founder Rafa Lojszczyk, said: "Jammy was amazing, and very cool under the pressure. "He was determined to beat the world record held by F1 legend Jenson Button. Jammy visited the EE GX WOYSTONE stand, competed, failed, then tried again, and only smashed the world record there and then!  Never give up!"

Related topics:

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.