Kyle officials will replace this year’s gathering with a kickback but have plans for a future record-breaking attempt.
KYLE, Texas — Sorry, Kyles.
The city of Kyle confirmed it will not try to break the Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people with the same first name.
In five different years, the city has held the “Gathering of the Kyles” during the Kyle Fair Tex-Travaganza. However, each year, the city has fallen short.
The current world record is held by Kupreski Kosci in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where 2,325 people named Ivan gathered in July 2017. That same year, more than 100 people gathered in Kyle – including those with names like Kyler and Kylie – to take part in the Gathering of Kyles.
In 2018, that number dwindled to 34 Kyles, and in 2019, 27 Kyles gathered. However, things changed in 2023 when 1,490 Kyles gathered from all over. Participants came from 49 of the 50 states, as well as multiple Canadian provinces. Approximately 950 Kyles were from Texas.
The 2024 event fell short of 2023’s gathering, with only 706 Kyles present. Despite missing the record, many enjoyed the spectacle.
“It was really funny because when you’re in a crowd and somebody yells ‘Kyle’, like 15 people all turn around,” one Kyle said.
What’s replacing the Gathering of the Kyles?
While the Kyle Fair is still taking place, a Kyle Kickback will replace the world record attempt.
City leaders say the kickback will take place May 16-18 at Lake Kyle with several activities, games, free swag and more.
The city added that it plans to relaunch its official Guinness World Record attempt “in a future year” so it can adequately plan and promote the attempt.