What's the hottest trend taking the social media world by storm? It might just be the rise of celebrity lookalike contests, which have turned parks and public squares from New York to London and beyond, upside down with excitement and enthusiasm.
These quirky events offer everyday folks the chance to channel their inner star, dressing up like their favorite celebrities for bragging rights, prizes, and the thrill of competition. It all kicked off with a viral moment on October 27, when New Yorkers gathered at Washington Square Park for the very first Timothée Chalamet lookalike contest. Little did anyone know, this would blow up—and soon inspire lookalike competitions around the globe.
It didn’t take long for the trend to catch fire after Chalamet himself showed up at his lookalike contest, turning what was meant to be just another lighthearted gathering, complete with prizes of $50 and cheap bragging rights, into something truly memorable. The youthful frenzy sparked Murray's imagination and fast-forwarded to Dublin, London, and various cities across the United States, where the lookalike trend hit new heights.
Drawing inspiration from Chalamet’s initial contest, the stakes were raised, and copycats rolled out their own versions. On November 7, Dublin saw men flock to Smithfield Square to embody Paul Mescal, each donning the actor's signature style—complete with gym shorts and earbuds. The winner, sporting the name “Earbuds Paul,” snagged the cool prize of 20 euros.
Not one to miss the fun, London hosted its own Harry Styles-themed contest just days later. Organized by journalist Katrina Mirpuri, it attracted more than 100 spectators and 12 competitors who put their stylish best forward. Meanwhile, on November 10, San Francisco brought the Dev Patel lookalike competition to life, where Jaipreet Hundal walked away with $50 and the title.
But the show didn’t stop there. Chicago hosted its own Jeremy Allen White contest on November 17 where over 50 contestants dressed like the beloved chef from “The Bear.” This was no ordinary competition; contestants put on matching aprons, cigarettes perched between fingers, to capture both looks and laughs. The excitement, reflected on social media, showed how people were not only fans of the celebrities but reveling simply in the camaraderie and fun brought on by these unique contests.
Then there was Zayn Malik, whose lookalike competition held sway over Brooklyn, becoming one of the most talked-about social media occurrences at the time. Contestants tried to mimic the former One Direction star's looks, leading to widespread debate online as many spectators felt the final entries were far from convincing. Critical banter erupted, yet it didn’t diminish the crowd's enthusiasm.
Interestingly, this novel trend has captured not just the admiration of fans but also #LookalikeContests trending on Twitter. Folks are even playfully advertising their own versions—jokingly claiming lookalike competitions for their celebrity crushes. It begs the question: What draws us to this phenomenon?
Erin Meyers, a communications expert, shares her insights on why these competitions resonate so strongly today. People are craving moments of lightheartedness, and these contests deliver just what they need: shared laughter, connection, and the joy of playful impersonation. According to Meyers, the rise of social media has only enriched the contest experiences, helping them gain traction rapidly.
"They’re grassroots and organic, not scripted or commercialized, making the experience feel sincere. Many people came to see the Chalamet contest out of pure curiosity, fueled by amusing posters plastered across the city,” she shares.
It’s clear now, the trend is no flash-in-the-pan moment, but rather it’s here to stay. Flyers for upcoming contests, like one for Zendaya, are already circulating Oakland, California, promising $40 and beauty products as prizes. The upcoming competition looks to capture the imagination once again, possibly leading the charge for female participation and perhaps more flamboyant outfits and creativity.
While we may see these contests come and go with the changing tides of social media, what remains true is their ability to tap deep-rooted communal instincts. Events such as these serve as reminders of happy, shared moments when face-to-face interactions reigned supreme—long before they became scarce during recent years of isolation. So, dig out those costumes and get ready because this fun-loving trend is just getting started. Who knows? You might be the next big lookalike star.
