From ‘Arizona Viral’ to $1,000 Richer: My Journey at the Rafi Lookalike Contest

PHOENIX — Chloe Adams, a 19-year-old journalism student from Glennwilde, played a key role in the recent Rafi Look Alike Contest held in Phoenix. The event took place at the X Phoenix tower, showcasing creativity and community enthusiasm, and featured prominent attorney Brandon Rafi.

The contest, which ran from 6 to 8 p.m., attracted numerous attendees, who were entertained by popular radio personality Joey Boy. His electrifying hosting kept spirits high, as he engaged the crowd with humor, encouraging introductions among participants dressed as Rafi.

DJ JAY-O provided music that had everyone on their feet, mixing classic and modern hits. The atmosphere was lively, with many guests enjoying free food from AZ Taco Boys, which sparked enthusiastic comments about the event’s vibrant atmosphere.

Participants in the contest showcased a range of imaginative Rafi-inspired costumes, from “Baby Rafi” to creatively themed characters. Each contestant was assessed by four judges, who ultimately narrowed the field from nearly 100 to just 16 finalists. Rafi himself joined the judging panel for the final selection, much to the crowd’s excitement.

Adams, inspired by her previous Rafi cosplay at Phoenix Fan Fusion, demonstrated her dedication by creating a bilingual sign that took over 14 hours to construct. This allowed her to stand out while honoring the event’s theme.

The prizes for the top three contestants offered substantial incentives: $2,500 for first place, $1,500 for second, and $1,000 for third. The first prize was awarded to a cosplayer known as M4stiff, who impressively dressed as a giant Rafi bus. Two young boys claimed second place with their inventive Rafi-wrapped bus, capturing the crowd’s hearts, while Adams took third place and expressed her intention to donate a portion of her earnings to the Tombstone Animal Shelter.

In a gesture of gratitude, Rafi rewarded all top 16 contestants with $250 each, acknowledging their efforts. The event concluded with a meet-and-greet where Rafi connected personally with attendees. Adams summed up her experience, stating that the event not only celebrated creativity but also built a sense of community among all who participated.