In the world of MrBeast challenges, every action is scrutinized, with players earning both fans and critics along the way. This blog explores the most loved and most hated players in MrBeast’s history, from villains like Jimmy Merchel to fan favorites like Chandler Hallow.
The Villainous Rise of Jimmy Merchel
Starting with the villain everyone loves to hate: Jimmy Merchel In one of the most talked-about moments in MrBeast history, Jimmy earned his infamy during the April 2024 challenge. After being appointed captain of a team of 40 contestants, Jimmy quickly manipulated his position for personal gain. His defining moment came when contestant 43 was given the choice to eliminate another player. Jimmy, intent on keeping control of the game, manipulated the situation by coercing her into eliminating her neighbor.
“If you let her stay, she gets control. We need to stay in power, or we’re all going to be eliminated!”
This strategic manipulation succeeded, as player 66 tearfully eliminated her fellow contestant, despite forming bonds with her. What really sealed his villain status, however, was his utter lack of mercy, even towards the kids. At one point, when a child contestant—number 11—was facing elimination, Jimmy showed no remorse and coldly encouraged the kid to follow through with the game’s ruthless demands.
“Now is not the time to develop a heart.”
Viewers and fellow contestants alike branded him a heartless villain. Memes and comments like, “42 is a straight Menace” and “This man did some Eisen-type stuff” flooded social media, highlighting his cold-blooded gameplay. Jimmy’s downfall came when another player sacrificed himself, ensuring that Jimmy wouldn’t walk away with the $250,000 prize.
The Beloved Chandler Hallow: From Janitor to Fan-Favorite
On the flip side, Chandler Hallow represents the complete opposite of Jimmy Merchel. Chandler first appeared in a MrBeast video in June 2017 as a janitor, but his humorous and innocent personality quickly won over fans. He became known for losing almost every challenge he participated in, a running joke that added to his charm. Even when he consistently failed, Chandler remained hopeful, promising his fans that he was saving his efforts for the “big prize.”
“I’m just waiting for the big win!”
That moment finally came when Chandler won MrBeast’s “Survivor” challenge, earning an $800,000 island. His long-awaited win solidified his spot as one of MrBeast’s most beloved participants. His rags-to-riches journey, going from janitor to millionaire, has made him an enduring fan favorite, earning comments like “Team Chandler Forever!” from the loyal community.
Camila Aro: The Fall of a Rising Star
Not every player who gained fame through MrBeast has kept it for the right reasons. Camila Aro, who appeared in MrBeast’s “Squid Game” challenge as player 67, gained initial attention by sharing a number with a prominent character from the hit Netflix series. However, after losing the challenge, Camila’s attempts to cash in on her fame led to a steep decline in her public image. She famously started an OnlyFans account, promoting it through her friends and even her family. This move sparked widespread outrage, as she was seen as someone using her newfound fame inappropriately.
The internet was quick to turn on her, with comments like, “MrBeast made the wrong person famous.” Camila’s choice to involve her younger sibling in promotional content added fuel to the fire, and she has since been labeled as a cautionary tale of how not to handle the spotlight.
IShowSpeed: A Heart of Gold Beneath the Chaos
Contrasting sharply with Camila, IShowSpeed is another contestant who has used his platform to do good. Speed’s appearance in the “Last to Take Hand Off Jet” challenge was brief, as he made an early mistake. But despite losing, Speed received MrBeast’s credit card as a consolation prize, which he initially used to splurge on expensive items. However, in a surprising twist, Speed showed a great deal of self-awareness and regret.
“It doesn’t feel right, bro.”
This moment resonated with fans, who came to love him for his sincerity. Speed’s post-MrBeast fame has been marked by numerous charitable actions, such as buying food for the homeless and helping those in need. His kind-hearted nature and empathy for others, particularly when comforting a fan who had lost a loved one, have made him one of MrBeast’s most loved contestants.
“I swear to God, I’m so sorry for your loss.”
Speed has used his fame to spread kindness, proving that, despite his chaotic persona, he has a heart of gold.
The Deceit of the D’Amelio Sisters
Not every contestant plays fair, and Charli and Dixie D’Amelio were accused of doing the opposite during MrBeast’s $300,000 influencer trivia tournament. Although they won the contest, viewers noticed that their entire family seemed to be feeding them answers. Even MrBeast appeared uncomfortable, yet he allowed it to slide. Viewers flooded the livestream with accusations of cheating, with comments like “They cheated with their whole family!”
The D’Amelios’ victory has remained a point of contention, with some fans unable to forgive their alleged cheating. The controversy only deepened when allegations arose that they had used their phones during the competition, further tarnishing their win.
Suzie Taylor: Integrity Over Millions
In contrast to the D’Amelios, Suzie Taylor is a shining example of integrity. During a challenge where she and another contestant, Bailey, had to survive 100 days in isolation for a $500,000 prize, Suzie showed incredible resilience. Despite facing numerous hardships, including a hurricane-induced power outage, Suzie remained steadfast. The bond between Suzie and Bailey endeared them to fans, with many calling them the best contestants MrBeast had ever had.
As the challenge neared its end, MrBeast offered the pair a twist: they could either split the money or attempt to steal the entire prize. If both chose to steal, they would walk away with nothing. In a heartwarming conclusion, both contestants chose to split the money, and their friendship remained intact. Fans were ecstatic, praising Suzie for her integrity and good nature.
Chris Tyson: A Fall From Grace
Perhaps one of the most dramatic downfalls among MrBeast’s contestants is Chris Tyson. Once a beloved member of the MrBeast crew, Chris became embroiled in controversy in July 2024, after being accused of sending inappropriate messages to a minor and supporting a notorious child content creator. Chris tried to downplay the accusations, blaming it on past “edgy humor.” However, the public was not convinced, and MrBeast himself eventually distanced from Chris, removing her from the team.
“I’ve taken immediate action to remove Chris from my company and any association with MrBeast.”
Chris Tyson’s fall from grace stands as a reminder of how quickly fame can be lost when trust is broken.
Jake the Viking: Strength, Humility, and Giving Back
Jake Franklin, also known as Jake the Viking, initially joined MrBeast’s crew as the “big strong guy,” but it was his character that won fans over. In a particularly notable moment, Jake was one of the final two contestants in a challenge for a house. Rather than betraying his fellow contestant, Jake proposed that they both take their hands off the prize at the same time and split it.
“If we both take our hands off, we can split the house.”
The move earned Jake immense praise, and when he eventually left MrBeast’s team to pursue his own YouTube career, his popularity only grew. Within six months, he had amassed over a million subscribers. Using his fame for good, Jake has been involved in numerous charitable acts, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he helped distribute food to those in need.
Max Hopkins: The Man Who Kept Losing but Finally Won
Finally, there’s Max Hopkins, a player who had a rocky start in MrBeast’s challenges. Max lost a whopping $700,000 in his first appearance due to a mistake but quickly became a fan favorite for his determined spirit and likable personality. Fans rallied behind him, demanding that MrBeast give him another shot. Max was given two more chances, and after a series of setbacks, he finally triumphed in an obstacle course challenge, winning $800,000. His victory was hailed as one of the most deserved wins in MrBeast history.
“We ain’t stopping till we see him win!”
Each of these players has made a lasting impact on the MrBeast community, either for better or for worse. Whether through their villainous actions or heartwarming victories, they’ve shown that the MrBeast challenges aren’t just about the prize—it’s about the people, their choices, and the legacies they leave behind.
