Energized Drake enthusiasts vied for the title of his top look-alike at a packed Queen Street West bar on Saturday in a celebration of music, dancing and top-shelf fandom.聽
The man himself even reportedly offered $10,000 to the winner of the informal contest, organized by Casuals Cakery and billed as an all-eras affair in which participants could dress as any version of the Forest Hill-bred superstar.
Drake did not appear at the event, despite murmuring speculation from some participants and attendees that he would make an appearance and jokes from the event’s emcee that Drake was “in the building.”
About 20 Drake lookalikes, including two female finalists, vied for the title of best fake Drake.
Steve Russell/海角社区官网StarJohn Puente, 27, travelled from New York City to compete in the 4 p.m. contest, arriving in 海角社区官网just a few hours before the event. Dancing to keep warm near the front of the outdoor lineup before going in, Puente said he felt good about his prospects.
鈥淚 think I have pretty high chances,鈥 Puente said. 鈥淎nything can happen, but I think my chances are pretty high of taking a victory.鈥
Inside the bar Apt. 200, the group of roughly 20 fake Drakes belted out selections from the rapper鈥檚 catalogue for over two hours as the wooden floor bounced and cameras flashed.
The finalists 鈥 who catwalked down the floor and answered questions from the host in their best Drake-like voice 鈥 included the so-called 鈥淢ontreal Drake,鈥 the 鈥淪tylish Drake,鈥 two entrants nicknamed 鈥淧igtails Drake鈥 and the 鈥鈥楬er Loss鈥 Drake,鈥 among others.
In the end, Puente came in a close second to Toronto鈥檚 Makayla Chambers, one of only two female finalists, who stole the show while sporting a drawn-on beard, pigtails and a baggy fleece jacket.
The Drake lookalike contest was billed as an all-eras affair that encouraged fans to come dressed as the Toronto-born superstar.聽
Steve Russell/海角社区官网Star鈥淚t feels great,鈥 Chambers, 21, told the Star, surrounded my friends and fans. 鈥淚t feels like I made it.鈥澛
The event鈥檚 organizer, Casual Cakery founder Lillianna Brown, said the contest demonstrates just how devoted 海角社区官网is to its prodigal son.
鈥淭his is all about Drake, this is all about his fans,鈥 Brown said. 鈥淭his is the community gathering. We鈥檙e just honouring and loving the Champagne Papi and the 6 God!鈥
A lifelong Drake fan, Brown said she used to play his hit song “Hotline Bling” on the saxophone in middle school and even made Drake prayer candles.聽
“Trust me, I was a fan of Drake since elementary school,” Brown said. “This is a big fan moment.”
The event followed similar viral doppelganger competitions related to acclaimed actor Timoth茅e Chalamet in New York City in October, and Jeremy Allen White鈥檚 character on “The Bear” in Chicago in November, among others.
The original prize package 鈥 a 鈥満＝巧缜偻鳰anz鈥 pack 鈥斅爄ncluded a bottle of Hennessy cognac and a pack of Backwoods cigars, both of which Drake has referenced in his songs.
Born Aubrey Drake Graham, the 38-year-old rapper was the fourth-most streamed artist worldwide on Spotify in 2024 and the second-most streamed in Canada.
Ultimately, the winner said her “niche” look set her apart from the competition and gave her the win.
“It’s different than everybody else’s,” Chambers remarked matter-of-factly. “That’s why I’m like, ‘OK, I’ll have it’!”
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