Kolkata Teen Builds History One Card at a Time with Four Guinness World Records in a Single Day

A 15-Year-Old’s Dream Turns into a World Record-Breaking Reality

In an extraordinary display of patience, passion, and precision, 15-year-old Arnav Daga from Kolkata has made global headlines by achieving four Guinness World Records in just 24 hours — all through the delicate art of card stacking.

On October 19, 2024, the teenager set out to challenge himself in a way few would dare, and by the end of the day, he had etched his name into the record books in four different time-based card stacking categories.

Four Records in One Day

Arnav didn’t settle for just one record. He aimed for four — and achieved them all. His mission was to build the tallest house of playing cards within time frames of one hour, eight hours, 12 hours, and 24 hours. With laser-like focus and sheer determination, Arnav stacked hundreds of cards without using glue or support tools — just balance and skill.

By the end of the 24-hour challenge, his efforts were officially recognized by Guinness World Records, making him one of the few individuals in the world to hold multiple titles in a single day for the same discipline.

A Record-Breaker from an Early Age

This wasn't Arnav’s first world record. In 2023, he constructed the largest playing card structure ever recorded — a monumental project that recreated four of Kolkata’s architectural landmarks using approximately 1.43 lakh cards. The structure was a tribute to his hometown and included intricate replicas of the Writers’ Building, Shaheed Minar, Salt Lake Stadium, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

The final build measured an astounding 40 feet in length, 11 feet 4 inches in height, and 16 feet 8 inches in width, all held together purely by balance.

Rising from Rivalry

Every great story has a rival, and for Arnav, that rival was Chinese card-stacker Tian Rui. Arnav had previously held the one-hour stacking record but lost it to Tian, who built a 32-level tower. Not one to be discouraged, Arnav used this rivalry as fuel for improvement.

After retaking the one-hour title, Arnav reset and built again — this time targeting the longer-duration records. He surpassed Tian's eight- and twelve-hour records of 50 levels, although Tian would later reclaim one of the titles with a 62-level tower. The back-and-forth competition has only sharpened Arnav's skills and commitment.

A Passion Born in Lockdown

Arnav’s journey began during the COVID-19 lockdown, when many were stuck at home seeking new hobbies. At just eight years old, he discovered card stacking and quickly became obsessed with the challenge it presented. What began as a quiet activity soon evolved into a full-fledged ambition to become a world record holder.

Over the years, he dedicated countless hours to mastering the technique, learning how to stay calm under pressure, and perfecting his building methods.

More Than Just Records

For Arnav, the goal isn’t just about breaking records — it’s about testing human limits, pushing through mental and physical fatigue, and proving that even the most fragile tools can create monumental achievements with the right mindset.

Card stacking has taught him patience, discipline, and focus — qualities that extend beyond the table and into everyday life.

Looking Ahead

With multiple Guinness World Records to his name, Arnav has become an inspiration for young achievers across the country. He now hopes to continue exploring complex card designs, mentoring aspiring card-stackers, and possibly showcasing his talents on a global platform.

As he keeps building — card by card — one thing is clear: this young innovator from Kolkata is stacking his way into history, and his journey is only just beginning.