An American sets a Guinness World Record: 613 candles in his beard.

According to ТСН: Serial record holder Joel Strasser from the USA again demonstrates that his beard can do real wonders.

The 45-year-old father of four has gained fame for his thick beard, into which he inserts thousands of various items — from toothpicks to forks, pencils, and even Christmas ornaments.

Joel insists that he does not intend to stop:

“My interest in setting records will not decrease any time soon!”

The man, who works in the field of insurance payouts, says he accidentally found out about his beard's “unique capabilities.” He noted:

“So much food and other items accidentally end up in it that I realized it really holds items well. I became curious about what would happen if I tried to hold certain things in it?”

This experiment became the starting point for a series of world records.

Items that Joel Strasser placed in his beard for the records:

• July 7, 2018 — most toothpicks in a beard — 3500

• November 21, 2019 — most chopsticks in a beard — 520

• November 21, 2019 — most golf tees in a beard — 607

• March 14, 2020 — most forks in a beard — 121 (this record was later improved)

• June 19, 2020 — most paper straws in a beard — 534

• November 17, 2020 — most clothespins on a beard — 359

• December 31, 2020 — most pencils in a beard — 450 (this record was later improved)

• September 21, 2021 — most pencils in a beard — 456

• November 17, 2021 — most pencils inserted into a beard in one minute — 59

• June 18, 2022 — most sticks inserted into a beard in one minute — 86

• November 5, 2022 — most forks in a beard — 126

• December 2, 2022 — most Christmas baubles in a beard — 710

• February 18, 2023 — most cotton swabs in a beard — 2470

• October 4, 2023 — most chopsticks inserted into a beard in one minute (team of two) — 104, David Rush and Garrett Smith (both from the USA)

• December 5, 2023 — most cleaning straws in a beard — 1150

• December 9, 2023 — most candy canes in a beard — 187 (this record was later broken)

• March 14, 2024 — most barbecue skewers in a beard — 600

• December 16, 2024 — most candy canes in a beard — 200

• August 30, 2025 — most candles in a beard — 613

Joel proudly speaks about his achievements:

“It's an incredible feeling! Breaking a Guinness record never gets old. Receiving a certificate confirming the record is also really cool. I never thought I would achieve so many amazing world records.”

But behind these records are enormous efforts. The most challenging, according to the record-holder, were the clothespins, as the hair kept getting tangled in the springs and ripped out. There were also difficulties with candy canes.

This year, Joel planned to set a new record with mistletoe but the attempt failed due to cost and complexity of the process. However, he is already geared up for new achievements:

“I will regroup and plan everything out better to definitely break the record for the most mistletoe in a beard by Christmas 2026!”

Joel's stories have inspired other record holders. For example, Anya Bannash from the USA broke the record by placing 711 golf tees in her hair, inspired by Strasser's example. Joel admitted that it brings him just as much joy as his own victories:

“I was very happy when she broke this record, it was very nice to see her success.”

Apart from beard-related records, he also engages in other disciplines such as casino marathons and the distance throw of a corn bag. But the biggest reward for him is the recognition in the Guinness Book of Records:

“This fulfills a childhood dream... What an incredible privilege it is to be on the pages of such an iconic book alongside so many legendary people!”

Moreover, Joel has also collected over 11,000 snow globes, turning his home into a winter wonderland.

Joel Strasser's successes highlight how an individual approach and creativity can lead to unusual achievements. His passion has become a new trend, inspiring many people not to be afraid to experiment and look for original ways of self-expression. A true example of how even ordinary things can become the foundation for records and general recognition.