Move over, Timothee Chalamet! Harry Styles fans turned out in force this past Saturday, as London’s Soho Square transformed into the Hunger Games for Harry lookalikes. The grand prize? A hefty, life-changing £50—which is practically a royal ransom for a Saturday afternoon of posing, pouting, and just generally exuding Harry-ness.
This whole frenzy came to life after the success of a Timothee Chalamet lookalike contest in New York City. The visionary behind this London showdown, journalist Katrina Mirpuri, told Variety she was inspired by the recent Chalamet and Paul Mescal doppelgänger events. “I saw the Chalamet contest and thought, ‘People dressing up to look like celebrities for £50? Yes, please. And besides, London can’t be outdone by New York and Dublin on celebrity doppelgangers. So, I did the only reasonable thing: I organized a Styles showdown!”
Twelve contestants eagerly donned their most “Harry” outfits: think oversized sweaters, velvet jackets, funky trousers, and more rings than fingers. It was like a Harry Styles starter pack exploded in Soho Square. But only one would emerge victorious in this battle of the Styles… and that was Oscar Journeaux!
Oscar, who’s used to people confusing him with the real deal, explained to Variety that his resemblance to Harry has both its perks and problems. “I actually missed a train once because someone insisted on an autograph. I tried to tell them, ‘I’m not Harry Styles!’ But they just said, ‘That’s exactly what Harry would say,’ and shoved a napkin in my hand anyway. So now, I carry a Sharpie wherever I go.”
With his £50 winnings, Oscar plans to buy a few more rings to elevate his Harry-ness—or maybe even a ticket to one of Styles’ shows, just to keep his lookalike game fresh. And as for Katrina Mirpuri, rumor has it she’s already brainstorming her next contest. Chris Hemsworth lookalikes, beware: she’s coming for you.
