Celebrity Lookalike Contests Take Over: Meet the Harry Styles, Timothée Chalamet, and Zayn Malik Doubles Stealing the Spotlight
Celebrity Lookalike Contests Take Over: Celebrity lookalike contests are the latest craze capturing attention across the US and UK. Fans of stars like Harry Styles, Timothée Chalamet, and Zayn Malik are flooding to quirky competitions celebrating everyday people who resemble the world’s biggest heartthrobs. From eternal bragging rights to brief brushes with fame, these events are becoming the go-to trend for millennials and Gen Z looking for fun escapism.
Timothée Chalamet Contest Sparks Global Craze
The trend started with a Timothée Chalamet lookalike competition in New York, which even saw the real Chalamet crash the event. Miles Mitchell, a university student, won the contest after being frequently mistaken for the Dune star during his time in South Korea. “Socializing in New York is expensive,” Mitchell explained, “so this free and fun event was perfect.”
Though Mitchell missed meeting Chalamet due to the event being relocated after a police intervention, the competition made waves on social media. One post declared it “a historic pop culture moment,” proving the appeal of quirky community gatherings.
Harry Styles Lookalike Contest Packs Soho Square
In London, a Harry Styles lookalike contest brought fans and hopefuls to Soho Square. Among the contestants was 22-year-old musician Oscar Journeaux, who entered the competition to promote his music. “The industry is tough, and this was a creative way to get myself noticed,” Journeaux shared.
Despite the crowd having to squint to spot a Harry doppelganger, journalist Katrina Mirpuri, who organized the event, said the positivity was palpable. “It wasn’t about who looked most like Harry—it was about celebrating people and having fun.” Mirpuri now plans to host a Hugh Grant-themed contest to spotlight an older generation of stars.
Dev Patel Doubles Shine in San Francisco
The trend went global with a Dev Patel lookalike contest in San Francisco, where 25-year-old Jaipreet Hundal stole the show. Hundal, often mistaken for the Slumdog Millionaire star, described the experience as “a glimpse of celebrity life.” Fellow contestant Sudev Namboodiri emphasized the community spirit: “It wasn’t about winning—it was about meeting new people.”
Zayn Malik Lookalike Contest Promises More Fun
In New York, fans of Zayn Malik are gearing up for a lookalike contest organized by Jaz Arnold, inspired by the success of the Chalamet event. Arnold shared, “Zayn is super hot, and it’s hilarious that people are brave enough to compete.” For Venezuelan contestant Julyus Odreman, who’s spent years being mistaken for the former One Direction star, the contest is another chance to embrace his accidental fame.
Why These Contests Matter
Participants and organizers agree these events offer a lighthearted break from the seriousness of the world. “In big cities, it’s hard to feel part of a community,” Arnold explained. For many attendees, these contests are less about winning and more about making connections, escaping social media pressures, and simply enjoying themselves.
Lookalike competitions might seem silly, but they’re bringing joy, creativity, and a sense of belonging to participants and spectators alike. From Harry to Timothée and Zayn, these doppelganger events are the perfect reminder of the power of fun in unexpected places.
