In Hungary, a fan of energy drinks has amassed a collection of 2,000 cans of these beverages, breaking the Guinness World Record for the largest energy drink can collection.
According to a report on the Guinness World Records website on October 2, the man, named Gergő Borbély, started collecting energy drink cans from various sources when he was in college back in 2008. On April 9 this year, his collection of 2,000 energy drink cans was officially recognized as the world’s largest collection of energy drink cans.
Borbély shared with the website that his interest in collecting energy drink cans started on a very hot day when he went to a small shop to buy a refreshing carbonated beverage, only to find that the only option in the fridge was an energy drink called “Hell.”
Having never tried an energy drink before, he bought a can and after drinking it, he became fond of energy drinks and started exploring different brands and flavors of these drinks. Back then, the flavors and brands were much fewer than today, mainly consisting of classic assorted fruit flavors.
The cans he had consumed started to accumulate in his dorm room. Initially planning to recycle them, he had a change of heart during the sorting process. He decided to put each type of energy drink can back on the shelf, totaling 15 varieties. He found these cans visually appealing and believed they added a pop of color to his otherwise plain dorm room, so he decided to keep them.
Over time, his interest extended beyond just the energy drinks themselves. He became passionate about discovering various flavors, brands, and can designs. Many of the cans he collected featured unique patterns, often drawing inspiration from games, movies, sports, or even celebrities.
During his travels in Japan and across Europe, he made friends in the international collecting community. He said, “I feel that some of the cans I collect are not just cans, but symbols of different regions and eras.”
Borbély has tried almost all the energy drinks he has collected, with citrus being his favorite flavor. However, he once tried a chili sauce-flavored energy drink and is unsure if he would try it again.
While many of the cans he collects are common and have low value, he estimates that cans from older, rarer, and more unique eras range in value from 10,000 euros (approximately 11,355 dollars) to 35,000 euros (approximately 39,575 dollars). However, he believes the value of these cans goes beyond monetary worth as they carry precious memories.
After breaking this world record, he has no plans to challenge other records but will continue to collect energy drink cans to expand his collection.
He said, “For me, the Guinness World Record is not the end of collecting; it’s more like a very important milestone.”
As the current record holder, his bigger dream is to establish an energy drink museum or exhibition where the public and other collectors can appreciate his collection.