A new, slightly unusual, world record has been set. Martin Stroby from Helsingborg, Sweden, has achieved the title for the Most Matches Held in the Nose.
On August 24, 2025, Martin managed to cram an astonishing 81 matches into his nostrils, setting a new benchmark for this quirky achievement.
Martin, who is 39 years old, was motivated to attempt this feat after finding inspiration close to home. He explained that seeing the excitement in his children’s eyes while they read a Guinness World Records book made him want to achieve a record of his own. His goal was simple: to make his children proud. This heartwarming motivation led him to this surprisingly difficult challenge.
Surpassing the Original Record
Before Martin’s attempt, the record had a slightly different history. The very first person to officially hold a title in this category was Peter von Tangen Buskov from Denmark. Peter achieved a record by stuffing 68 matchsticks into his nose.
Peter’s record was notable because he was the first person to hold the title, requiring a minimum of 54 matches to earn it initially.
When Peter achieved his 68 matches, he remarked that it surprisingly “didn’t really hurt.” He credited his success to having “fairly large nostrils and quite stretchy skin,” which he believed helped a lot in fitting the bundle of sticks.
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A Nose for Records: The New Benchmark
Martin Stroby’s new record of 81 matches firmly establishes him as the current champion, easily surpassing the original Danish record.
This achievement highlights a blend of determination, practice, and perhaps, a bit of natural nasal anatomy. It is a testament to the fact that world records come in all shapes and sizes, often driven by the simple desire to be the best at something unique.
Martin’s success in Helsingborg means his children now have a proud new entry to read about in their Guinness World Records book one achieved by their own father.
The Swede has taken this very specific title and raised the bar, leaving future contenders a challenging number to beat.
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