Posted by Gentry Stein
on December 07, 2025
When I posted the DNA yo-yo trick on TikTok for the first time in 2020, I had no idea it would explode into a global phenomenon. Since then, the DNA has racked up over a billion views and turned into one of the craziest global yo-yo challenges in history.
Today, players all over the world are uploading their craziest versions of the DNA, some are out to break world records like the longest spin time, while others are just having fun.
From doing the DNA on rooftops to pulling it off on bananas, players keep inventing new and hilarious ways to make the trick their own. So let’s take a look at 10 of the most insane DNA yo-yo challenges people have actually pulled off.
1. The Second-Story DNA
One of the most difficult and impressive versions of the DNA challenge is doing it with an extremely long string. Players started experimenting with lengths way beyond the standard yo-yo setup: first 5 feet, then 10, and now, even more.
Most recently, Rei Iwakura from Japan took this idea to the next level by performing the DNA with an unbelievable 18.4-foot (5.6 meter) string. To make it work, he had to throw the yo-yo from the second story of a building just to give it enough room to spin.
Even the most advanced yo-yo players would have a hard time pulling this off. It takes a lot of creativity, problem solving, balance and control.
You can see Rei Iwakura’s 18.4-foot DNA challenge clip here
2. The Smallest Yo-Yo DNA
In this video, Australia’s National Champion and YouTuber Brandon Vu was challenged to pull off the DNA using the world’s smallest yo-yo which is literally smaller than a penny.
But he’s not the only one. Doing the DNA on a mini yo-yo has become one of the most popular challenges online, with players everywhere testing their skills on tiny yo-yos.
You can see my attempt at the mini-yo-yo challenge here
Here’s the thing, most mini yo-yos aren’t designed for performance.
They’re made for fun, but they can’t handle competition level tricks.
That’s what inspired me to create my own. After secretly training for the 2019 World Yo-Yo Contest with a mini yo-yo and winning, I decided to design the first competition grade mini yo-yo that could handle even my most difficult tricks.
The best part? Just by playing with it, your skills naturally improve.
You can watch my video about the concept of training for Worlds with a mini yo-yo here, or read the full story in my blog post here. And if you want to try it yourself, check out my latest model, the Bimetal Shutter Mini
3. The Blow Dryer DNA
This one might be the most creative DNA challenges of them all. Evan Nagao, a world and multiple time U.S National Champion, used a blow dryer to levitate his DNA.
It sounds ridiculous, but it actually works. The moving air keeps the yo-yo balanced and spinning in the air. I wonder what other kinds of levitating DNA tricks this one inspired! You can find the blow dryer dna trick Here
4. Doing the DNA with Four Yo-Yos
Most players struggle to land a clean DNA with one yo-yo, but U.S. Women’s National Champion Bella Freestylin decided to take it to another level. She started by learning to do the trick with 2, 3, and finally 4 yo-yos all at once.
Each yo-yo has to land perfectly in sync, one small mistake can send them crashing together, denting the metal and creating one giant knot you’ll spend the next ten minutes untying. You can see Bella pull it off here
But even World Champions (myself included) struggle to pull that off.
It’s one of the hardest and most mind-blowing versions of the DNA ever filmed which is exactly why I flew to Florida to have Bella Freestylin try to teach me how to do the DNA with four yo-yos.
You can watch that challenge here
5. The Godspeed DNA
Angel2Up, known for his lightning-fast “godspeed” style, took the DNA challenge to the next level, combining both tricks into one insane combo.
To pull it off, he used one of the most advanced yo-yo technologies in the world, the Nine Dragons, featuring free-spinning outer shells that keep the yo-yo spinning even when you grab it.
Watch Angel2Up push it to the limit in this clip, and if you want to learn how the Nine Dragons works (and how to do tricks like this yourself), check out my How to do Nine Dragons Tricks video here
For a deeper dive, explore the Ultimate Guide to the Nine Dragons, to see how this design changed yo-yoing forever.
6. The Longest Spin-Time DNA
As we have seen, some DNA challenges are all about creativity while others are about breaking records. The “Longest DNA Spin” is all about pure endurance, testing how long a yo-yo can spin on your fingertip before finally tilting out.
For a while, it seemed like every month someone was breaking a new record.
Now, the best players in the world are pushing spin times past 30 seconds, experimenting with ultra smooth throws, perfect form, and insane control.
And just when it seems unbeatable, another player finds a way to go even longer.
You can find my Longest Spin-Time DNA clip here
7. The Blindfolded DNA
Blindfold yo-yo challenges have been around forever, but now even the DNA has joined the mix. There’s nothing quite like the pressure of landing a perfect fingerspin when you can’t see what you’re doing.
After our previous $1,000 Yo-Yo Challenge, European Champion Tomas Bubák and I decided to battle it out, testing who could land some of the most difficult and popular tricks, including the DNA, completely blindfolded.
It’s part skill, part intuition, and a whole lot of trust in your muscle memory.
You can watch our full blindfolded yo-yo battle here
8. The Diabolo DNA
Just when you think the DNA has reached its limits, players find a way to take it even further, this time, with the Chinese yoyo, the diabolo.
If you’re not familiar, a diabolo is a two-cupped juggling prop that spins on a string between two sticks, kind of like a yo-yo’s bigger, free spinning cousin.
Two of the most famous diabolo players online, the Spyro Bros, Mark and Marco, took on the challenge to see if a diabolo could pull off the DNA.
It’s wild to watch and proof that the DNA challenge has officially crossed into other skill toy worlds. You can find Diabolo DNA clip here
9. Doing the DNA With Your Thumb
Most players land the DNA on their pointer finger, but some take it to the next level by using different fingers like the thumb, middle, or even pinky.
In this video, Betty Gallegos, Mexico’s Women’s National Champion, nailed a clean thumb DNA, which looks simple until you try it… then you realize how insane her control really is. You can check out the full video Here
10. Doing the DNA on Random Things
Not every DNA challenge is planned out and serious, sometimes it’s just about having fun and seeing what random object you can pull it off on.
Players have done the DNA on bananas, chopsticks, stilettos, and just about anything they find. One time, I actually managed to land a clean DNA on a lollipop, which you can watch here.
It might sound crazy, but creative experiments like this are what keep yo-yoing exciting. And while I was recently in Australia, I hosted a yo-yo contest and even did the DNA live on national TV and after that, I figured… why stop there? So I went all in and tried the DNA on every famous Aussie snack I could find which you can watch here.
Join the Global DNA Challenge
The DNA Keeps Evolving
From rooftops to lollipops, from first-time players to world champions, the DNA has grown into more than just a trick. It’s a symbol of creativity, community, and how far yo-yoing has come.
Every new challenge, every experiment, and every viral clip pushes the DNA further. And the best part? Anyone can be part of it.
You don’t need to be a pro. No matter your age or skill level, all it takes is a yo-yo, a little practice, and the willingness to try something new. Players around the world are putting their own spin on the DNA and reimagining what is possible.
That said, while anyone can start, not every yo-yo makes learning the DNA easy. Choosing the right setup can make a huge difference as you progress from your first finger spin to advanced variations.
So what’s your DNA challenge?
Grab your yo-yo and add your chapter to the story.
The Best Yo-Yos to Learn the DNA Trick at Every Skill Level
The Best Beginner Yo-Yo to Learn the DNA: The Arrow
If you’re new to yoyoing, the Arrow is the perfect place to start. It comes responsive out of the box, making it easy to control while you learn the basics of doing DNA style tricks but as you progress, you can swap in the other bearing to learn unresponsive DNAs.
Intermediate: DNA
Once you’ve mastered the basics of unresponsive yo-yoing and fingerspin tricks, you're ready to upgrade to the DNA. This yo-yo was specifically designed to help you master the DNA trick and is one of the most affordable on the market.
Advanced: DNA King
For players who are ready to level up and want the ultimate performance, the DNA King is the next evolution of the DNA design, tested through dozens of prototypes to perfect its balance, rim weight, and cap shape.
The DNA String
Even the best yo-yo won’t reach its full potential without the right string. The DNA String was designed for this trick and features patented swivel technology that lets you keep hitting DNAs without worrying about string tension, so your spin stays smooth and consistent every time.
Tutorials to Help You Learn (and Level Up) Your DNA Tricks at Every Skill Level
Whether you’re landing your first spin or chasing advanced DNAs, these lessons will help.
If you're just getting started on your DNA journey then make sure to check out 5 DNA YoYo Tricks For Beginners which will teach you everything you need to know to make landing your first DNA easy.
After you learn the classic DNA or if you are an advanced or intermediate player then its time to level up your skills with this progressive tutorial that teaches you 10 DNA Tricks from Easy to Hard
And when you’re ready, challenge other players. I took on Brandon Vu and Angel2Up in this Ultimate DNA battle and Angel2Up and I even went back for round two which you can watch here
Pro Tips for Nailing Your Own DNA
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Start with the right yo-yo: Models like the Arrow, DNA or DNA King are built for long, stable finger spins.
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Focus on control before creativity: Make sure to master the fundamentals before you start experimenting with different DNA tricks and harder variations.
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Stay relaxed: Learn to stay calm and patient when landing the DNA because it is all about rhythm, timing and being in sync with your yoyo.
- Challenge yourself: Once the regular DNA becomes easy, try a long string, a mini yo-yo, like the Shutter Mini, or even combine it with another trick once you’ve got the basics down.
Where can I find DNA yo-yo challenges online?
There isn't one place to go for all of the challenges but you can find all of these and more on social media platforms like Instagram, Youtube and Tiktok. You can check out my social media @gentrystein to find DNA challenges and so much more!
Where can I learn how to do the DNA yo-yo trick?
The best way to learn is through step by step tutorials designed specifically for finger spins. Start with beginner lessons that teach clean throws and balance, then move on to longer spins and advanced variations as your control improves. You can find DNA tutorials and more tricks on my youtube channel here
What’s the best yo-yo for learning the DNA?
That depends on your level. Beginners often start with a yo-yo that can play responsive first, then switch to unresponsive as they improve. You can check out my line of yoyos designed to take you from beginner to pro here.
