On a chilly Monday afternoon, over 200 attendees participated in the Heated Rivalry look-alike contest at the Boston Public Garden. This event celebrated the popular Canadian romance television series, Heated Rivalry, which features two rival hockey players, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, who navigate a secret romance amidst their competition.
Event Highlights
- Date: Recent Monday afternoon
- Location: Boston Public Garden
- Attendance: Over 200 people
- Show Popularity: Over 300 million minutes watched since December
- Upcoming Season: Second season confirmed by HBO Max
Daniva Freeman, a senior at Suffolk University, organized the contest alongside her co-host, Alexa Hilts. Freeman, inspired during a 9 a.m. class, quickly drafted a promotional poster and garnered attention through a TikTok that received more than 80,000 views.
Competitors and Winners
- First Place: Noah Hallward-Rough, recognized for his resemblance to Rozanov
- Second Place: Will Carroll, noted for his interpretation of Rozanov
Despite expecting only 50 participants, the turnout vastly exceeded her expectations, as the community engaged with enthusiasm. Contestants were evaluated by audience cheers, creating a lively atmosphere.
Community Engagement
Will Carroll, who came in second, remarked, “This contest reflects our love for competition, hockey, and our community.” Though there were only eight official entrants, the crowd showed overwhelming support for the event.
Freeman’s initiative to center the contest around Heated Rivalry stems from its immense popularity. She stated, “I was surprised that no one had thought of hosting this competition before.” The event not only celebrated the series but also sparked conversations about representation in media.
Participants received fun prizes, such as free ice skating tickets and beverage cans. Freeman hopes the success of this event will pave the way for more themed contests in the future.
Conclusion
The Heated Rivalry look-alike contest exemplifies Boston’s vibrant community spirit and love for entertainment. As interest in such competitions increases, it encourages creativity and brings fans together in unique ways.
