Cosplay Craze: Glennwilde Superfan Inspires Injury Lawyer Rafi Lookalike Contest

Chloe Adams, a resident of Glenwide, recently made headlines with her viral “Call Rafi” costume at the Phoenix Fan Fusion. What began as a playful game between her and her sister, where they would hit each other upon spotting a Brandon Rafi billboard, evolved into a cultural phenomenon.

“Instead of slug bug, we race to hit each other when we see Rafi,” she explained. This lighthearted competition captured the spirit of their shared humor.

19-year-old Adams, a journalism student at Arizona State University, garnered significant attention at the event. Her costume creatively represented Brandon Rafi, an iconic figure in Arizona’s legal marketing scene, complete with his signature billboard and unmistakable smile.

“I dedicated eight hours to crafting my board,” Adams stated, expressing her delight at the positive reception. Her efforts paid off as crowds began to gather around her.

“The longest I went without someone stopping me was 40 seconds,” she remarked, noting the overwhelming interest her costume generated.

As her costume gained traction on social media, TikTok user @filthypumpkins posted multiple videos showcasing her outfit, collectively racking up nearly 1 million views. Influencer Derek Montilla also helped amplify her presence online.

“Someone told me I was trending on Twitter, and I just couldn’t believe it,” Adams recalled with a smile.

This newfound fame attracted the attention of the Rafi Law Group, who reached out for a potential collaboration. “They asked me to create an Instagram post and tag them,” she explained. Following that, she enjoyed an outing at a D-backs game with her father.

Adams has plans to bring her costume back for the Rafi Lookalike Contest held by Rafi and the local media brand Welcome to Arizona. Scheduled for tomorrow night in downtown Phoenix, the contest offers a $5,000 prize for the best impersonator.

Adams, inspired by her viral success, adapted her costume for the contest. One side of her billboard now reads “Call Rafi,” while the reverse boasts “Llama Rafi,” reflecting her Hispanic heritage.

Despite her sudden internet fame, Adams remains committed to her future in journalism. As a rising sophomore, she aspires to specialize in sports or music journalism. “My experience showed me how a moment can connect people,” she reflected. “It was a way to unite nearly all of Arizona.”