Fire up the Grills! Thousands of South Africans Try to Set a Record for the Biggest Cookout
Guinness officials are reviewing evidence after thousands of grillers gathered at 500 stations to beat a 2,220-person world record, organizers said.
- On Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, thousands of South Africans gathered at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria to attempt breaking the world record for most people grilling simultaneously on Heritage Day.
- The record to beat was 2,220 set in Ishigaki City, Japan, in 2023; South Africans were determined after a failed attempt last year.
- Guinness World Records adjudicator Paulina Sapinska monitored compliance, enforcing rules requiring participants to grill simultaneously for a minimum of five minutes, with disqualification for leaving stations.
- Organizers expected around 3,000 participants at around 500 grilling stations; Sapinska stated she and other officials are currently reviewing the evidence gathered.
- The final determination on whether a new world champion has been crowned will not come until Friday, leaving South Africa awaiting the official word from Sapinska and other officials.
19 Articles
19 Articles
Fire up the grills! Thousands of South Africans try to set a record fo
Participants grill meat during an attempt to break a world record for the most people cooking simultaneously at a barbecue at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria, South Africa, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Alfonso Nqunjana)
Fire up the grills! Thousands of South Africans try to set a record for the biggest cookout – WTOP News
PRETORIA, South Africa (AP) — Armed with their tongs and sausages, thousands of determined — and hungry — South Africans gathered on a national holiday Thursday
South Africans in Pretoria hope to have established a new world record marked by Guinness. Hundreds of people gathered on Thursday to light their barbecues, in an attempt to mark the largest barbecue ever recorded. The attempt took place on Heritage Day, a national celebration that celebrates the diversity of the country's cultural heritage. The day is [...]
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 53% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
