The beasts of backyard games: best bags/cornhole records
On the bright side, there’s less than 217,440 minutes until summer!
And if you’re just counting down the days until the summer’s setting sun shines down on your face as you play some cornhole (AKA bags) – you’re just like us.
For those unfamiliar with this iconic backyard game, cornhole is played by setting two slanted wooden cornhole boards 27 ft (8.2 m) apart, while players stand next to their board in the ‘pitching box’ and take turns tossing bean-filled bags into the opposite hole in their opponent’s board. Bags that make it in the hole get three points, while ones that land on the board score one point, and the first team to make or exceed 21 points wins. It’s great fun!
So for those seeking some cornhole-shooting inspiration, or even if you just want to see some talented record-breakers take the game to new levels, keep reading for some of our best cornhole records.
Longest cornhole shot
Osman Gürcü in Denizli, Türkiye, has a wicked arm, and he’s dedicated his talents to cornhole.
This multiple Guinness World Records title-holder threw the longest cornhole shot on 26 October 2024 in his home country, launching the bag a stunning 85 ft 3.6 in (26 m) across the length of a basketball court.
His underhand-shot not only got the bag on the board, but it sank perfectly into the hole with a satisfying ‘thump,’ causing Osman and his friends to jump with excitement.
You can watch his epic shot here:
Longest cornhole shot (backwards)
Osman also holds the record title for the longest cornhole shot (backwards), which he completed on the same big day as his longest cornhole shot title.
This attempt required him to turn 180° and stare at the wall, while he tossed the bag over his right shoulder and prayed it would arc into the hole.
Evidently, the multi record-holder has mastered the necessary trajectory for his cornhole shots, so he was able to sink in the longest cornhole shot (backwards) from a miraculous 59 ft and 0.6 in (18 m).
Longest cornhole shot (blindfolded)
Matthew Grear (USA) is a self-proclaimed yard game fanatic, and when completing this record he told Guinness World Records: “I want to be known for all things yard games. And achieve all the cornhole records.”
Prior to Osman’s epic shot, Matthew was the record-holder for longest cornhole shot since 2021, when he threw the bag 62 ft 6 in (19.05 m). But one of his most entertaining titles was for his longest cornhole shot (blindfolded), which he completed in Winthrop, Massachusetts, USA on 1 October 2023.
On that sunny day, Matthew set up his boards on an outdoor basketball court and tied a bandana around his eyes before tossing the bag directly into the hole from 54 ft 7 in (16.66 m) away.
“Everyone cheered so loudly when I made it. I almost felt famous,” he said.
Most cornholes scored in one hour
Now here’s a fun title to shoot for if you have a spare hour, dozens of extra bags, and some serious motivation.
Michael Ferreira (USA) is a professional cornhole player (yes, that exists!), who always wanted to set a Guinness World Records title. So on a beautiful spring day in Clearwater, Florida, USA, he set up his boards outside a local restaurant, piled up his bags, and didn’t stop shooting until he set the record for most cornholes scored in one hour – a stunning 600 bags.
For the full hour, Michael lasered-in on his target, and methodically sunk the bags into the hole until his hand was empty and he had to go get more bags. While this might count as a dedicated day of practice for a cornhole professional, Grear’s record works out to 10 bags a minute, so it certainly would take some extra work to get to this rate for a casual backyard player.
Longest marathon playing doubles cornhole
Every year in Coralville, Iowa, hundreds of Iowa Hawkeyes fans (an American college football team) gather in August for FRY Fest, a celebration of all things Iowa football.
They host many fun gold-and-black themed events at this neighbourhood celebration in honour of beloved retired Head Coach of the Hawkeyes, Hayden Fry, including the longest marathons playing cornhole.
From 28 to 29 August 2014, Team Fry and Team Gable officially took home the record title for longest marathon playing doubles cornhole, after playing a shocking 26 hr 12 min and 44 sec. The event commenced indoors, but was moved out onto a pre-measured course on the street once the weather improved, during a brief official rest break.
The two teams of four spent hours launching bags at each others’ boards, drinking, laughing, and hanging out with their families and friends during the event. Although it was a long competition, the players held on until they could claim the title, and spent a wonderful day playing their favourite backyard game.