Upcoming Heated Rivalry lookalike contest is already sending fans feral: ‘We’re going boyfriend hunting’
A flyer for the event that’s being circulated in NYC (X.com)
A flyer for the event that's being circulated in NYC (X.com)
Following the explosive success of queer sports romance Heated Rivalry, fans are thirsty for an upcoming lookalike contest, which aims to crown NYC’s versions of Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie) and Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams).
Storrie and Williams’ face cards have been everywhere since the show’s release. But if you’re missing the cottage, you should head to Washington Square Park in New York City on Sunday (January 25).
Individuals who share a resemblance to Russia’s Ilya or Canada’s Shane are set to gather, so practice your best smouldering stare and grab a ginger ale.
An adaptation of Rachel Reid’s Game Changers novel series, Heated Rivalry follows the two rival hockey players as they fight on the rink and hide their love off the ice. Since its release, the show has become a streaming phenomenon, even inspiring hockey players to come out.
The lookalike contest follows a host of similar events for the likes of Chappell Roan and Timothée Chalamet.
Responding to the Heated Rivalry event announcement, fans of the show shared their excitement.
“Get in, loser. we are going boyfriend hunting at the heated rivalry look-alike contest,” one user posted.
Another wrote: “the winner for shane hollander better be a wasian woman (dm me).”
‘We are going boyfriend hunting at the heated rivalry look-alike contest’
Also, some noted that they wished such events were more common. “Why can’t we ever do this for yellowjackets i’m trying to find a wife,” one poster shared.
The event’s linked website details that it will be taking place at Washington Square Park on Sunday (January 25) at 2pm ET. As the flyer details, there is a $50 cash prize for the winner.
According to the RSVP list, so far, 1613 people have signed up to attend.
The event biography reads: “In a time when online dating prospects seem more dismal than ever, we have been forced to take extreme measures.
“We will be hosting yet ANOTHER look-alike competition to find the best nyc local knockoff Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov to give the girls, the gays, and theys something to yearn for in 2026.
“We see no better place to kickoff this year’s look alike contest season—and pay homage to inarguably the best hockey player power couple of all time—than the birthplace of the tradition itself…our very own Washington Square Park.”
“So prep those accents and get ready to pucker up…and please congregate around the fountain no later than 2 pm. Thank you, and long live Hollanov.”
