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Why Celebrity Lookalike Contests Are Taking Over Everywhere
There’s never been a more entertaining time to look like someone famous, especially as celebrity lookalike contests have exploded in popularity across the US, UK, Ireland, and far beyond. What began as a playful internet trend has quickly evolved into a global phenomenon, regularly drawing huge crowds, media coverage, and even the attention of the celebrities themselves.
From Viral Flyers to Real-Life Events
The current wave of celebrity lookalike contests gained traction after a viral New York City event in late 2024, seeking the “ultimate Timothée Chalamet doppelganger.” Organized by YouTuber Anthony Po, the event promised a modest $50 cash prize and a crown, yet it generated outsized intrigue both on social media and the streets of Manhattan. The hype reached its peak when Chalamet himself made a surprise appearance, crowning college student Miles Mitchell as the winner. Clipped reactions and highlights from this event quickly went viral, encouraging fans and would-be twins everywhere to organize their own contests.
Social media amplified the excitement, turning every winner and quirky lookalike into mini-viral celebrities—sharing memes, TikTok videos, and Instagram reels that spread these contests even further afield. The playful spirit continues to thrive, with lookalike contests now popping up for everyone from Pedro Pascal—whose contest in New York this June was held in partnership with a local Mexican restaurant—to Harry Styles, Paul Mescal, Dev Patel, Zayn Malik, and Jeremy Allen White. Even fictional characters and political figures are fair game, making the trend accessible and endlessly adaptable.
For the latest trending video, TikTok user @dazed captured the winner of London’s Harry Styles lookalike contest, further solidifying these events’ cultural cachet. Likewise, clips from Paul Mescal’s Dublin contest on @dublinsfm104 and the Dev Patel lookalike event in San Francisco shared by @kombuchabaee have drawn global attention and amassed millions of views.
What’s Behind the Sudden Popularity?
The lighthearted premise is a welcome relief from more serious news cycles, offering a communal, low-stakes outlet for both fans and aspiring performers. As journalist Katrina Mirpuri, who organized the London Harry Styles contest, told the BBC, “people need to have some fun after all the dreary news we’re having.” These events also help foster community connections, breaking the ice in major cities and small towns alike, and giving anyone the chance to stand out—if only for an afternoon.
Organizers often up the ante with humorous or fitting prizes: a year of free burritos for a Pedro Pascal twin, a giant novelty cheque for Paul Mescal’s Irish lookalike, and, in certain cases, even the chance to meet the real celebrity. At this year’s Golden Globes, lookalike contest winners for Glen Powell and Timothée Chalamet were invited to walk the red carpet, capping off their viral journeys with a surreal Hollywood twist.
Social Media’s Accelerant Effect
The meme-ification of these contests has fueled their spread. TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter are overflowing with reaction clips, dance routines, and playful interviews with participants—as shown in the viral @lrobinn video documenting the Bushwick Zayn Malik contest and the San Francisco gathering for Dev Patel. These posts go far beyond mere promotion; they help set the tone, spark FOMO, and encourage others to launch their own neighborhood spin on the trend. See @dazed’s TikTok coverage for a prime example of how these moments are shared, dissected, and celebrated in real time.
Will the Craze Continue?
Every indication suggests the phenomenon is far from over. The contests are drawing larger crowds each month, and celebrity involvement only stokes further public fascination. With contestants now getting unique rewards and even invitations to major events, the stakes are getting higher, adding new energy to each gathering. As summed up in The California Aggie’s coverage, “look in the mirror, figure out your celebrity twin and book the quickest flight to the next contest with the hopes of winning a trophy, some money or even meeting some of your own lookalikes.”
The lookalike contest craze taps perfectly into the moment’s social and cultural Zeitgeist: playful, inclusive, celebrity-obsessed, and thirsting for shared moments of joy. Whether you resemble a pop sensation or just your local news anchor, don’t be surprised if your own city soon hosts its first official lookalike showdown. If you want to see the action unfold, check out the coverage of these contests on platforms like Indy100 for Harry Styles or the latest Zayn Malik contest recap on Metro, and follow event recaps on TikTok for a front-row seat to this global spectacle.
For more lookalike contest stories, find the full Harry Styles contest recap at Indy100, see Glen Powell’s contest’s unexpected Golden Globe cameo via California Aggie, and watch viral event moments on TikTok through @dazed and @dublinsfm104. If you’re feeling bold, maybe it’s your turn to step into the viral spotlight.
