Fans of Harry Styles and Paul Mescal are buzzing with excitement after announcements of upcoming lookalike competitions sparked hope of meeting their favorite celebrities. Inspired by a similar event for Timothée Chalamet in New York, where the actor himself made a surprise appearance, fans are eagerly anticipating the possibility of Harry and Paul showing up at these events. The Chalamet contest, held over the weekend, became an instant sensation when the Hollywood star shocked attendees by mingling with his doppelgangers, posing for photos, and creating a frenzy among onlookers.
The Harry Styles and Paul Mescal events were quickly organized following playful chatter on social media. Fans joked about hosting lookalike contests for the two stars in their own homes, but their wishes have taken on a life of their own, leading to official gatherings. The Harry Styles competition is set to take place on November 9 at Soho Square, starting at 1 PM, with promises of exciting prizes for participants. One enthusiastic fan remarked, “Trying to copy NYC in hopes that Harry, like Timmy C, will also show up lolol.” The announcement has garnered wide interest, with social media buzzing with comments like, “Hahahaha stop (I’ll be there)” and “This is gonna be chaos, I can’t wait!!!”
Meanwhile, Paul Mescal’s lookalike contest will be hosted in Dublin’s Smithfield Square on November 7 at 1 PM. Participants will compete for a prize of either three pints or 20 euros, along with the undeniable bragging rights of being Dublin’s best Paul Mescal doppelganger. Teasing the possibility of Paul making an appearance, *Lovin Dublin* humorously reported: “In today’s silly news, there will be a Paul Mescal lookalike competition held in Smithfield Square this Thursday, November 7. The actor will be in Smithfield that evening for the *Gladiator 2* premiere – so here’s hoping he takes a page from Timothée Chalamet’s book and shows up at the event.” Adding fuel to the speculation, the Light House Cinema, where the premiere will be held, announced it would be closed for the evening. One fan jokingly commented, “Real ones know it’s closed for the Paul Mescal lookalike competition.”
The idea for these celebrity lookalike competitions has become a lighthearted trend thanks to the wild success of Chalamet’s event in New York City. Advertised by YouTube personality Anthony Po, the gathering drew throngs of fans and Chalamet lookalikes, some of whom dressed up as characters he has portrayed, such as Willy Wonka and Paul Atreides from *Dune*. When Chalamet unexpectedly arrived, the scene turned chaotic. Flanked by security, he mingled with his admirers, taking pictures and exchanging hugs, while some attendees even mistook his lookalikes for the real star. Social media exploded with reactions, and the impromptu appearance cemented the event as a pop culture milestone.
However, the frenzy in New York took a dramatic turn when the large crowd attracted the attention of the authorities. Police intervened to disperse the gathering in Washington Square Park, leading to tense moments. Organizers were fined $500 for holding an unpermitted costume contest, and at least one participant was arrested amid chants of “Let him go!” from the crowd. Despite the police’s involvement, attendees described the event as both “chaotic and intense.” One participant, Megan Hattie Stahl, noted, “It was really funny, like a spectacle. The people filming it and the people reacting to the cops became another layer of spectacle.”
The competition, which awarded a $50 prize to the best Chalamet lookalike, saw intense participation. The winner, Miles Mitchell, donned a purple Willy Wonka costume and captivated onlookers by tossing candy from a briefcase. Mitchell described his experience as “overwhelming” and praised the talent of his fellow competitors, saying, “There were so many good lookalikes. It was really a toss-up.” After police intervention, some fans moved to Mercer Playground for an impromptu speed-dating session, further demonstrating the community spirit and enthusiasm that these events inspire.
The New York spectacle, coupled with the anticipated lookalike contests for Harry Styles and Paul Mescal, highlights a growing trend of fan-driven gatherings celebrating celebrity culture in whimsical ways. While the chances of Harry or Paul making surprise appearances remain uncertain, the excitement and community spirit surrounding these competitions are undeniable. Whether the stars show up or not, fans are sure to make these events memorable, with or without the presence of their idols. As pop culture continues to evolve, such gatherings reflect the unique ways in which fans connect with their favorite celebrities, creating moments that are as unexpected and delightful as they are unforgettable.