Report on GBC world record in Hamburg

A look back at a unique LEGO event: the Great Ball Contraption (GBC) world record attempt in Hamburg, on the weekend of 28 to 30 November 2025. It was a weekend full of passion, technology, friendship and thousands of small balls finding their way through a gigantic circuit.

Lead-up

Through various channels, an invitation came to participate in a GBC world record attempt. The weeks leading up to the event were filled with pleasant interactions via Discord and growing enthusiasm. The number of modules rose rapidly: first 850, then 932, then 970, and finally well above the magical threshold of 1,000. The workshop modules were also tackled, often in modified versions. And the question of whether there would be enough balls and fences was quickly answered: no fewer than 16,000 balls and more than enough fences had been promised.

Journey and set-up

On Thursday morning, I set off for Hamburg in a car that was packed to the brim. I didn't really know where it was exactly; geography still isn't my strong point. The journey took seven hours due to traffic jams and heavy traffic. I arrived in Hamburg around two o'clock in the afternoon, which turned out to be an impressive port city. The welcome was quick and friendly: ‘Your spot is over there.’ Of course, I first chatted with fellow GBC members. A few modules were set up, but the most important thing was finally seeing each other in person instead of via Discord or YouTube. Builders had come from all over the world: America, Canada, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Norway and more. Around six o'clock, we were done and headed to the hotel.

Hotel

The hotels in the area were quite pricey, ranging from 650 to 700 euros. Fortunately, there was an alternative: a hotel in Netelnburg for only 128 euros. A basic hotel with an excellent connection (every 10 minutes) to the exhibition centre. Nice, I think. Money saved to spend on... fill in the blank yourself.

Friday

On Friday morning, we (Ben, one of the organisers, and I) left at 7:22 a.m. by train to the hall. There, we could continue setting up in peace: my part consisted of fifty modules. Together with the neighbours, we looked at how everything could be connected properly. Some people started to get stressed, because everything had to be ready by half past one. At two o'clock sharp, the first day started. Slowly, all the modules were switched on, an overwhelming number of 1,169. The first balls rolled, and of course there were malfunctions. One of my modules had also been damaged during the journey (an emergency brake caused the module to fly through the car), but after some repairs, everything was working again. In the end, there were about 7,650 balls in the circuit.

Filming

The blue ball was to be followed, but the first attempt failed. The second attempt also failed. There was no time for another attempt. According to calculations, a round would take between three and five hours. The rest of the day was filled with conversations, conviviality and helpfulness. Everyone understood each other immediately and offered help where necessary. In the break area, there was plenty of food and drink: sweets, biscuits, coffee, tea and, of course, hot dog rolls. At nine o'clock in the evening, the day ended, tired but satisfied. 

Saturday

After breakfast at the hotel, we set off again by train. Today was the day, although everyone felt that being together with the community was actually the most important thing. The record would just be the icing on the cake. Suddenly, a little girl tugged at my shirt and said in a panic: ‘Da ist ein Kugelstau!’ I had no idea what she was talking about. It turned out to be a hilarious traffic jam of balls in a container. LEGO itself was also there to capture everything on camera.

Meanwhile, the blue balls were already circulating. Of the seven, five quickly dropped out of the circuit, leaving only two. The tension rose, but the modules appeared to be working well. Cyriel, are your modules set up correctly, are they working? Yes, relax. And five minutes later, they had gone through my modules.

The tension continued to rise. Fifteen modules left, fourteen, thirteen... three... two... one... Yes! We did it! In the end, they even managed one and a half laps, with 1729 and 1741 modules. The euphoria and camaraderie were unprecedented. In the evening, there was an AFOL evening with an impossible speed build of a Star Destroyer, an auction, a tower building competition and a dinner provided by the organisers.

Sunday

On Sunday, we slept in until 7:30 a.m. and drove to the fair by car. It was the last day, which was a shame for everyone. And well, it was Sunday. No one works on Sundays. Not even the modules. With humour and teamwork, malfunctions were resolved. Balls were tracked, filmed, and everything ran smoothly.

Tear down

At six o'clock in the evening, the chairman of SteinHansse and the trade fair manager gave a closing speech. In the spring, they had secretly hoped for 400 modules, but in the end there were more than 1,100! After that, everything was quietly dismantled, the car was packed and at nine o'clock we left for home. I arrived home at two o'clock in the morning, still full of adrenaline. Unloading (3 a.m.), watching Formula 1 (5 a.m.) and – oh well – straight off to work.

Livestream

BrickBrian provided a live stream throughout the weekend. Another unique achievement! The live streams can still be found on Twitch and YouTube. The recording from Saturday morning can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/live/S-rVlAYqmtQ?start=2388 (from 0:40 to 3:36).

Statistics

•⁠ 12,100 visitors

• 63 builders from 10 countries

• up to 1,169 modules working together

• 1,108 modules still active on Sunday evening

• 350-400 metres long

• approximately 7,650 balls in the circuit

• 102 workshop modules

• average circuit duration over 3 hours and 30 minutes

This was a look back at my most unforgettable LEGO event. A world record attempt that not only yielded numbers, but above all memories, friendships and a sense of community. Because ultimately, it's not just about the balls that keep rolling, but about the people, the community, who build together. Many thanks to the organisers Olliver, Ben and Matthias.

Would I like to go to Wolfsburg at the end of February... Uh, where is that?

Cyriel van de Ven