Louisiana Holds 7 Quirky World Records

From twerking to giant hamsters, the Bayou State is home to some of the wildest Guinness World Records.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 2:24pm

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Louisiana is home to a surprising number of unusual world records, from the largest prison farm and most family members to graduate from the same university to the largest serving of gumbo and the longest bridge over water. The state has also set records for the most people twerking simultaneously and the largest litter of hamsters.

Why it matters

These offbeat records showcase the unique culture and quirks of Louisiana, a state known for its vibrant music, food, and community traditions. They also highlight the state's ability to embrace and celebrate the unconventional, even on a global stage.

The details

Some of Louisiana's most notable world records include the largest prison farm (the 28-square-mile Angola prison), the most family members to graduate from the same university (40 members of the Wayne family from Grambling State), the largest serving of gumbo (6,800 pounds cooked by Walk-On's in Shreveport), the most people twerking simultaneously (406 in New Orleans), the largest litter of hamsters (26 babies born to a Miller family hamster), the longest bridge over water (the 23.87-mile Lake Pontchartrain Causeway), and the largest King Cake (over 4,073 pounds and 2,643 feet long, baked by Haydel's Bakery).

  • In 2023, Josh Cottreau of the Australian rock band Fangz set the 'unofficial world record' for eating the most boiled eggs in one sitting - 143 hard-boiled eggs in just three minutes.
  • In 2010, 40 members of the Wayne family from Marion, Louisiana, graduated from Grambling State University, setting the record for the most family members to graduate from the same university.
  • On December 27, 2018, Walk-On's in Shreveport cooked the largest serving of gumbo, weighing 6,800 pounds, for the Independence Bowl tailgate party.
  • On November 15, 2014, 406 people simultaneously set the record for the most people twerking at the Big Freedia and Central City Festival in New Orleans.
  • In 1974, a hamster belonging to the Miller family in Louisiana gave birth to 26 babies, setting the record for the largest litter of hamsters.

The players

Josh Cottreau

An Australian rock musician who set the 'unofficial world record' for eating the most boiled eggs in one sitting - 143 hard-boiled eggs in just three minutes.

Wayne family

A family from Marion, Louisiana, who set the record for the most family members to graduate from the same university, with 40 members graduating from Grambling State University.

Walk-On's

A restaurant in Shreveport, Louisiana, that cooked the largest serving of gumbo, weighing 6,800 pounds, for the Independence Bowl tailgate party.

Big Freedia

A New Orleans-based musician who performed at the Central City Festival where 406 people simultaneously set the record for the most people twerking.

Miller family

A family in Louisiana whose hamster gave birth to 26 babies, setting the record for the largest litter of hamsters.

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What they’re saying

“Just yesterday, Easter eggs were center-stage and no one likes that more than Josh Cottreau of the Australian rock band Fangz.”

— Gary Mccoy, Author

The takeaway

These offbeat world records showcase Louisiana's unique culture, community spirit, and willingness to embrace the unconventional. From twerking to giant hamsters, the state has proven it can set some of the quirkiest global benchmarks, cementing its reputation as a place that celebrates the extraordinary.