After eight years of effort, Eiffel Tower replica built from matches gains official approval

In a tale of perseverance and determination, a Frenchman’s monumental effort to construct a towering replica of the Eiffel Tower from matches has finally received recognition from Guinness World Records (GWR).

Mr. Plaud, hailing from Montpellier-de-Médillan, spent an astonishing eight years meticulously crafting his masterpiece, composed of an astounding 706,000 matches intricately glued together. Despite initial rejection by GWR due to technicalities regarding the matches used, Mr. Plaud’s unwavering commitment and artistic vision have ultimately prevailed.

The towering sculpture, standing at an impressive 7.19 meters (23 feet), now holds the prestigious title of the tallest matchstick structure ever constructed. Plaud’s dedication to his craft is evident in the staggering 4,200 hours he invested in bringing his vision to life, a labour of love that culminated in a momentous achievement.

Mark Mckinley of Guinness World Records expressed the organisation’s excitement in approving Mr. Plaud’s creation, acknowledging the oversight in their initial assessment.

The reversal of the decision comes as a triumph for Plaud, who now plans to showcase his remarkable achievement in Paris, coinciding with the upcoming Olympics.

The journey to recognition was not without its challenges, with Mr. Plaud describing the emotional rollercoaster of the past eight years.

From the frustration of rejection to the elation of vindication, his dedication never wavered. His wife, Sandra, humorously remarked on the impending return of their living room space, now that the towering structure has found its rightful place in history.

As the world marvels at Mr. Plaud’s extraordinary feat of creativity and perseverance, his Eiffel Tower replica stands as a testament to the power of passion and the boundless possibilities of human ingenuity.