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While most people her age are avoiding stairs, 99-year-old Pauline Kana just became the most legendary person in the pit. Known to her 25 million TikTok followers as “Gangster Granny,” Kana officially shattered the Guinness World Record for the ‘Oldest Person to Crowd Surf’ during a massive country-rock set by Brantley Gilbert. Strapped to a cushioned stretcher and passed over the heads of 20,000 screaming fans in Bellville, Texas, Kana has proven that the spirit of rock and roll has no expiration date.
A Texas-Sized Record: 99 Years and 274 Days
The Location: Austin County Fairgrounds, Bellville, Texas The Event: Rock the Country Festival (May 2026)
The record-breaking moment occurred during Brantley Gilbert’s performance of “Son of the Dirty South.” Gilbert introduced Pauline to the stage, announcing to the 20,000-strong audience that they were about to witness history. As the beat dropped, Pauline—strapped safely to a gurney—was hoisted into the air and passed across multiple rows of fans.
The crowd erupted into a thunderous chant of “Granny! Granny!” that could be heard across the fairgrounds. Her grandson, viral creator Ross Smith, captured the entire event, noting that he still gets “chills” listening to the recording of the chant. Upon receiving her official Guinness World Records certificate, which clocks her age at 99 years and 274 days, Pauline looked directly into the camera and declared: “I did it! I’m the greatest of all time!”
From Vine to Guinness: The Rise of Gangster Granny
The Partner: Ross Smith (Grandson/Social Media Giant)
Pauline Kana’s journey to the pit started back in 2013 on the now-defunct platform Vine. She first went viral when Ross Smith filmed himself blocking her basketball shot, and the duo has been unstoppable ever since. With over 80 million combined followers across TikTok and Instagram, “Gangster Granny” has built a legacy of fearlessness.
Despite her massive online fame, Pauline remains grounded. In a 2022 interview, she mentioned that her generation grew up with only the radio, and the transition to internet superstardom has been a “whirlwind in the best way.” Her latest stunt wasn’t about the views; it was about connecting with 20,000 people and showing them that age is just a number.
The Mechanics of a Senior Crowd Surf
The Equipment: Specialized Cushioned Gurney The Safety: Coordinated Security and Fan Participation
While a standard crowd surf involves a leap of faith, Pauline’s record required precision. She was passed through the crowd on a gurney to ensure stability, a visual that her grandson joked looked like a “medevac” to the uninitiated.
However, the coordination between Brantley Gilbert’s security team and the Texas crowd was flawless. Guinness World Records confirmed the title was achieved on May 2, 2026, officially unseating previous record-holders and setting a bar that might never be cleared again.
FAQ: Gangster Granny and the Guinness World Record
Who held the record before Pauline Kana? Prior to Pauline’s 2026 feat, various unofficial claims had been made at festivals like Glastonbury and Lollapalooza, but Pauline is the first to have the feat officially verified by Guinness at the age of 99.
When is Gangster Granny’s 100th Birthday? Pauline Kana was born in August 1926, meaning she will officially hit the century mark this summer. Fans are already speculating if she has an even bigger stunt planned for the 100-year milestone.
Who is Gangster Granny? Pauline Kana is a 99-year-old internet personality who rose to fame alongside her grandson, Ross Smith. She is known for her viral comedy videos and fearless stunts.
How old was Pauline Kana when she broke the record? At the time of the event on May 2, 2026, Pauline was exactly 99 years and 274 days old.
Where did the crowd-surfing record take place? The record was set at the Austin County Fairgrounds in Bellville, Texas, during a concert by country-rock artist Brantley Gilbert.
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TL;DR:
99-year-old viral sensation Pauline Kana (Gangster Granny) has officially been recognized by Guinness World Records after crowd surfing at a Brantley Gilbert concert. The historic moment, which took place in Bellville, Texas, saw Kana passed through a crowd of 20,000 to chants of “Granny!”
Is Pauline Kana officially the coolest grandmother in history, or do you have a relative who’s ready to take the record at 100? Let us know in the comments.
The post ‘I’m the Greatest of All Time!’: 99-Year-Old ‘Gangster Granny’ Sets Guinness World Record for Crowd Surfing appeared first on Loaded Radio.