From Zayn Malik, BTS' Jungkook and now Virat Kohli: Look-alike contests go viral as fans celebrate celeb doppelgangers

Look-alike contests are gaining popularity worldwide, with competitions for stars like Jeremy Allen White, Paul Mescal, and more. The trend exploded after YouTuber Anthony Po's viral?Timothée Chalamet?contest in Manhattan on October 27, inspiring fans to host similar events for their favourite celebrities.

Following a Zayn Malik look-alike contest in New York, K-pop fans organised one for BTS's Jungkook, and now India is joining in with a Virat Kohli contest set for December in Delhi. Here are some highlights:

Timothée Chalamet

?Held in New York, the contest offered a $50 prize. Miles Mitchell from Staten Island won, dressed as Willy Wonka, and even received a surprise appearance from Chalamet himself.

Paul Mescal

?In Ireland, contestants mimicked Mescal's signature look: white sports shorts, a hoodie and headphones. Jack Wall O’Reilly, known as "Earbuds Paul," won after performing a line from Normal People.

Dev Patel

?In San Francisco, the contest was a joke turned serious. The 20 contestants were whittled down to the final to two: Jaipreet Hundal and Arjun Sheth. Jaipreet Hundal won after a fun showdown with Arjun Sheth, taking home $50 and flowers.

Zayn Malik

?In Brooklyn's Maria Hernandez Park, the contest based on the looks of famous One Direction member, Zayn Malik was held. The prize was a free tattoo, courtesy of one tattoo artist in the area. Contestant Shiv Patel, 29, of Queens who entered the contest after years of friends insisting he bore an uncanny resemblance to the British crooner, won.?

Jungkook

?The event held at Ping Tom Memorial Park in Chicago, Illinois, saw the BTS maknae lookalike contest take place. The three finalists in action showed up dressed in variations of black outfits. Ultimately, Andrew Alexander, a widely renowned YouTube sensation, was crowned winner, earning a $20 prize and Soju bottle.

Zendaya

?In Wilma Chan Park in Oakland, the actress’ hometown, the Zendaya look-alike contest took place. Zainab Bansfield from San Francisco got the crowd of around 60 onlookers cheering as she was crowned “Miss Zendaya” with a sash and prize basket.