Hundreds of Ryans gather in NYC to break world record

In the United States, hundreds of individuals sharing the first name Ryan gathered in New York City to participate in the second-ever Rytoberfest. This event, organized by Ryan Meetup, took place at Torch and Crown in Union Square with the goal of breaking the Guinness World Record for the largest assembly of people with the same first name, which currently stands at 2,325 people named Ivan. Attendees traveled from various locations, including Australia, under a strictly enforced guideline that allowed only those with the name Ryan and its alternate spellings. The first Rytoberfest occurred in October 2023 and saw over 200 Ryans in attendance, paving the way for subsequent gatherings aimed at surpassing this number. The occasion also served as a charitable event, with all proceeds directed to the Ryan Callahan Foundation. This foundation was established by former New York Rangers captain Ryan Callahan to provide support to pediatric cancer patients and their families. The organization behind the event asserted the importance of community and camaraderie among those who share the name Ryan, fostering a unique bond between attendees. The enthusiastic participation underscored the popularity of the name, but the exact number of attendees for this latest gathering has not yet been released. Ryan Meetup's dedication to promoting events for individuals named Ryan has resulted in numerous activities across the country. The organization works to maintain a positive and inclusive environment, explicitly stating on their website that Bryans and others with different names are not permitted, ensuring that the gatherings are exclusive to those named Ryan. This exclusivity adds to the celebratory nature of the events, encouraging participants to feel a special connection with others who share their first name. Currently, it remains unclear if this gathering successfully beat the previous record. The results will likely be awaited with anticipation, as attendees reflected on their experiences and the joy of meeting others with the same name at such a large scale. The blending of fun, community spirit, and philanthropy presents a memorable occasion likely to inspire future events focused on name-based gatherings.