On November 7, excitement filled the air at Smithfield Square, Dublin, as hundreds of fans gathered for the much-anticipated Paul Mescal lookalike contest. Following the viral success of Timothée Chalamet's doppelgänger event last month, which saw the actor himself surprise attendees with his presence, it seems with the popularity of lookalike competitions rising, Dublin had to get in on the action.
The atmosphere was buzzing, with enthusiastic participants donning outfits inspired by Mescal's iconic style—think short GAA shorts, gold chains, and those distinctive wired headphones. Competing for the grand prize of either three pints or €20, contestants showcased their best Mescal impersonations, and one stood out remarkably among the rest.
Jack Wall O'Reilly was crowned the winner, to the delight of onlookers who couldn’t believe how closely he resembled the star of Normal People and the upcoming Gladiator II. “I hadn’t bought anything special for this,” Jack said, explaining his relaxed preparation. He added, “I think Paul is stylish, just like every other man here today.” Jack was inspired to join the competition after friends encouraged him, and he clearly made the right decision.
Fans and participants alike took to social media to express their astonishment at Jack’s likeness to Mescal. One user on TikTok captured the sentiment succinctly: “You can’t tell me this isn’t Paul Mescal!” Another echoed this sentiment, noting not just the physical resemblance but also how Jack embodied the same vibe and charm as the dashing actor. This budding fandom for lookalike competitions only appears to be growing as people enjoy sharing the joy and community spirit these events bring.
Interestingly, as the competition unfolded, the crowd’s reaction suggested they weren’t just there as onlookers; they were part of the spectacle, turning this gathering of lookalikes softer and more joyful than perhaps initially expected. “These competitions are getting out of hand. I want one at home!” laughed another attendee.
The tournament came with its fair share of fun and laughter, providing both competitors and audience members with amusement and entertainment. To some, the concept of dressing up and gathering as doppelgängers isn't just for fun but also reflects the close-knit culture of Dublin, where events like this can quickly grow out of the ordinary to become cherished local moments.
The atmosphere contrasted with last month’s Timothée Chalamet event, notorious for its chaos and even the arrest of one participant, highlighting just how different the two gatherings were. Chalamet surprised attendees by showing up himself and mingling with lookalikes, something attendees of the Mescal event half-hoped for but remained speculative if the famed actor would ever grace their contest.
Aside from the merriment, the Dublin event also turned reflective, with some discussing Paul Mescal's personal remarks about his health and future during his most recent interviews. Mescal revealed to GQ his belief he might not lead as long of a life, which sparked conversations about mental health and the pressures of celebrity, only emphasizing how comedy can intertwine with poignancy during events like this.
Nonetheless, the contest encouraged attendees to revel in communal joy and laughter, fending off the stressors of everyday life for just one evening. Naturally, lookalike competitions provoke friendly banter, shared experiences, and social interactions. Those who attended walked away with smiles, many convinced of the uncanny resemblance within the crowd.
Social media reaction showcased the sense of humor woven through the event, with fans commenting on the pervasiveness of Paul Mescal doppelgängers everywhere. “It’s like every guy I meet looks like him,” one participant joked on X (formerly Twitter), adding to the lightheartedly competitive spirit.
Sponsorship for the event was light, yet participants engaged with one another as equals, regardless of whether they were sharing drinks or comparing haircuts, leading to unplanned friendships and community bonds being formed over the event.
For the lookalikes, it was truly more than just appearances; it was about reveling together and sharing laughter. With the night ending with smiles and exchanges of social media handles, many wonder if Dublin's lookalike contest will become the first of many fun annual gatherings.
While Mescal himself didn’t appear to confirm whether he knew about the event, speculation constantly loops back, and the more people host lookalike competitions, the higher the hopes of actual celebrity appearances soar. Perhaps this is why so many took to sharing their best looks—perhaps one day, the Irish gem himself may find himself mingling with doppelgängers, sparking even more enthusiasm.
With the evening fading, many attendees are left pondering how this fun tradition might blossom, inspired by local camaraderie where all ages, backgrounds, and fashion senses mingled for the love of being delightful replicas of the Paul Mescal.
And who knows? With the recent rise of lookalike events, Dublin might just be carving out its own niche, following along with the popularity of these whimsical gatherings.
Despite everything, it highlighted the spirit of connection, appreciation for popular culture, and most significantly, genuine human fun—that's the point, after all.
