| Guinness World Records (2024)

FAQs

How legit is Guinness World Records? ›

The popularity of the franchise has resulted in Guinness World Records becoming the primary international source for cataloguing and verification of a huge number of world records. The organisation employs record adjudicators to verify the authenticity of the setting and breaking of records.

Guinness World Records has a strict list of record policies that must be adhered to for all our record breaking achievements. We assess all new record titles against our values of integrity, respect, inclusiveness and passion and it is of the utmost importance to us that all our records reflect this.

As the world's unrivalled authority on record-breaking achievement, our role is to celebrate the world's best, to inspire ordinary people and to entertain and inform. For these reasons, we do not pay record-breakers for their achievements or for carrying out a record title attempt.

Last month, Guinness World Records (GWR) kicked up a media storm when it decided to alter the record books and relegate Reinhold Messner's achievement of being the first person to climb all the 8,000m peaks to that of a “legacy” record.

All existing record titles (those already in our records database) are free of charge through the standard application process. If you want to apply for a new record title (something that you cannot find in our database), a non-refundable administration fee of £5/$5 (plus VAT) applies.

There typically isn't a monetary award that comes alongside setting a world record in the Olympics. However, the 2024 Games has a first-time change that'll see World Athletics paying gold-medal-winning athletes $50,000 in the 48 track and field events.

All records need to be provable, quantifiable and breakable. If they succeed, record breakers receive a certificate for their achievements. Money is not offered for breaking a record, expenses or equipment.

The benefits of achieving a world record extend far beyond financial gain. The recognition, personal fulfilment, inspiration, and opportunities for sponsorships, public appearances, book deals, and merchandising provide avenues for record holders to capitalize on their achievements.

Ashrita Furman (born Keith Furman, September 16, 1954) is a Guinness World Records record-breaker. As of 2017, Furman has set more than 600 official Guinness Records and currently holds over 200 records, thus holding the Guinness world record for the most Guinness world records. He has been breaking records since 1979.

Michael Jackson Official Site

Michael Jackson has earned 39 Guinness World Records.

What world record will never be broken? ›

Usain Bolt's 100-meter dash of 9.63 seconds

This means that Bolt owns the top two times in Olympic history and the world record in the 100-meter dash, a feat that will likely never be surpassed. He also owns the Olympic and world records for the 200-meter dash.

The first record recognized by the Guinness World Records was recorded by Sir Hugh Beaver, the managing director of the Guinness Brewery, in 1955. The record-setting event took place when he was involved in an argument about the fastest game bird in Europe while on a hunting trip.

Contrary to what many people believe, entering the Guinness Book of World Records does not have any type of economic compensation. Therefore, you will not receive a single euro, pound or dollar for breaking a record.

Guinness World Records documents and celebrates superlative achievements that are the best in the world. Record breaking is a serious business, which means we have strict policies governing what constitutes a Guinness World Records title in order to maintain these high standards.

All record attempts require the presence of completely independent witnesses who are our eyes on the ground to witness and confirm that all of our rules have been followed. Certain records require the presence of expert independent witnesses who have a specialism in a certain field relevant to the record.