A fascination with identifying countries and objects in a matter of seconds has culminated in a record achievement for Fijian content creator Anush Maharaj, popularly known online as “The Mystic.” Maharaj successfully identified 24 countries within 30 seconds during a record attempt held in Suva, Fiji, on August 23, 2026.
The achievement has been recognised by The Book of World Records (TBWR) under the record title “Most Countries Identified in 30 Seconds”, with Reference ID TBWR/HF/2026/08/023.
For Maharaj, the attempt was not merely a test of memory and speed. He said the idea was driven by a desire to accomplish something significant for Fiji and to become the first person in the country to achieve the distinction.
His interest in rapid identification began during childhood. “I was fond of identifying items within seconds. I used to perform this when I was a small kid,” Maharaj said while describing the origins of the ability that eventually led to the record attempt.
The challenge required him to identify countries within a strict 30-second window. A friend was present to assist with timing and to witness the attempt. Maharaj successfully identified 24 countries within the allotted period.
However, the attempt was not without difficulty. According to Maharaj, the most challenging part came during the retakes. He had to repeat the attempt several times because he was unable to pronounce some country names correctly. The experience, he said, demanded not only quick recognition but also accuracy under time pressure.
Once the attempt was completed successfully, the immediate reaction was one of relief and happiness.
“When the attempt was done I felt really happy and joyful,” Maharaj said.
A graduate who lives with his mother and younger brother, Maharaj has also built a following as a digital content creator. Under the name “The Mystic”, he is known on TikTok and has developed a substantial audience in Fiji. His online presence has become an important part of his aspirations as he looks towards a future in digital media.
For Maharaj, the motivation behind the record was closely connected with his country. He described his greatest inspiration as the vision of making Fiji proud.
The recognition also carries personal significance. “I am feeling really happy by breaking this record. It’s an honour,” he said.
Beyond the record itself, Maharaj hopes the achievement will become part of a larger journey. His immediate ambition is to establish himself as one of Fiji’s leading content creators and expand his influence through digital platforms.
His achievement also illustrates how an interest developed in childhood can, with persistence and practice, become a distinctive skill. What began as a simple fascination with recognising things quickly eventually became a timed challenge on an international stage.
For Fiji, the achievement offers another example of young talent finding a platform beyond traditional fields. For Maharaj, the 30-second attempt represents both a milestone and a beginning — one that he hopes will lead to greater accomplishments in the years ahead.
Record: Most Countries Identified in 30 Seconds
Record Holder: Anush Maharaj (“The Mystic”)
Achievement: 24 countries
Date: August 23, 2026
Location: Suva, Fiji
Reference: TBWR/HF/2026/08/023
Recognised by: The Book of World Records
