5 Shocking Details From The Glen Powell Look-Alike Contest (And Who Won The Coveted Cameo)
The internet sensation that was the Glen Powell Look-Alike Contest has finally crowned its winner, and the details surrounding the event are far more entertaining and surprising than anyone anticipated. This unique competition, which took place in Powell’s hometown of Austin, Texas, quickly went viral, drawing a crowd of enthusiastic fans and a line-up of doppelgängers hoping to capture the essence of the Hollywood heartthrob. The buzz around the event, which culminated in late 2024, has been amplified by the sheer star power of the grand prize: a coveted role in one of Powell's upcoming projects. As of today, December 21, 2025, the winner is already stepping into the spotlight.
The contest wasn't just a quirky local event; it was a full-blown media spectacle that showcased the actor's playful personality and deep connection to his Texas roots. From a celebrity judge to a prize that included a year's supply of free queso, the event was pure Glen Powell charm. The ultimate prize, however, was the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the winner to join the talented cast of an upcoming production, solidifying this as one of the most memorable celebrity look-alike events in recent history.
The Winner’s Circle: Who is Maxwell Braunstein?
The man who successfully channeled the charisma and looks of the *Anyone But You* star is Austin resident Maxwell William Braunstein (also known as Max Braunstein).
- Full Name: Maxwell William Braunstein
- Hometown: Austin, Texas
- Occupation: Physician's Assistant
- Contest Date: November 24, 2024
- Contest Location: Auditorium Shores, Austin, Texas
- Winning Number: Contestant number four
- Key Prize: A cameo role in an upcoming Glen Powell project
- Post-Win Spotlight: Met Glen Powell and walked the red carpet at the 2025 Golden Globes
Braunstein, a local physician's assistant, reportedly made history by winning the first-ever official Glen Powell Look-Alike Contest. His victory was a major local story, catapulting him from relative anonymity to a brief moment of viral fame, which included a high-profile appearance at the 2025 Golden Globes alongside the actor himself.
The Wild Prizes and Celebrity Judge
The Glen Powell Look-Alike Contest was organized with a distinctly Austin, Texas flair, ensuring the prizes were as unique as the event itself. This wasn't just about bragging rights; the stakes were high and the rewards were truly Texan.
Glen Powell’s Mom as the Ultimate Judge
One of the most charming details of the competition was the involvement of the actor's own family. The judging panel included Glen Powell's mother, Cindy Powell. Who better to determine the most authentic Glen Powell doppelgänger than the woman who raised him? Her presence added a layer of heartwarming authenticity to the event, making it a true family affair and a nod to Powell’s deep Texas roots.
The Unbelievable Grand Prize Haul
The winner, Max Braunstein, walked away with a collection of prizes that perfectly encapsulated the actor’s personality and Texas heritage. The prize package was a blend of local favorites and Hollywood dreams:
- A classic cowboy hat, a staple of Texas fashion.
- A sum of money, though the exact amount was not widely publicized.
- A Torchy's Gold Card, granting a year's worth of free queso—a prize that speaks volumes to the Austin food scene.
- The ultimate prize: a cameo role in an upcoming Glen Powell project.
The promise of a movie cameo is what truly set this contest apart, giving a fan a genuine pathway into the world of Hollywood filmmaking. This prize has generated significant buzz, with speculation mounting about which project Braunstein will appear in, potentially the upcoming TV series *Chad Powers*.
The Actor’s Hilarious Reaction and Golden Globes Meetup
Glen Powell's reaction to the contest was exactly what fans of his charming, self-aware persona would expect. He embraced the absurdity and the fun of the situation, showing his appreciation for the fan enthusiasm.
The "Shirtless" Mandate
Before the event took place, Powell himself weighed in with a hilarious, tongue-in-cheek requirement for the contestants. He quipped that the whole thing would be "a sham" if no one was "shirtless for no reason." This joke references his own frequent appearances in films like *Top Gun: Maverick* (where he played 'Hangman') and the romantic comedy *Anyone But You*, where he often showcases his impressive physique. This comment instantly went viral, setting a playful tone for the competition.
A Red Carpet Rendezvous at the Golden Globes
The story didn't end with the contest results in November 2024. In a fantastic display of celebrity generosity and humor, Glen Powell invited his look-alike winner, Max Braunstein, to join him at the 2025 Golden Globe Awards. This red-carpet moment was a highlight of the awards season, with the two "Glens" posing for a selfie and Powell instructing Braunstein to "do Powell face."
This public appearance served as a massive publicity boost for the winner and confirmed the genuine nature of the grand prize. It demonstrated that the actor was committed to giving Braunstein a taste of the celebrity lifestyle, far beyond just the cameo role. The sight of the two men, who share a striking resemblance, side-by-side on one of Hollywood’s biggest nights, was a viral moment that delighted fans of the *Twisters* star and cemented the contest's legacy.
The Impact of Celebrity Look-Alike Contests on Fandom
The Glen Powell Look-Alike Contest is part of a growing trend where celebrity-driven events are leveraging social media and fan culture to create viral moments. Similar homages have been paid to other stars, including Jeremy Allen White and Paul Mescal. These contests tap into the public's fascination with doppelgängers and the aspirational nature of celebrity.
For Glen Powell, the contest served as a brilliant piece of organic marketing. It kept his name and brand—associated with charm, fitness, and fun—at the forefront of pop culture news between major film releases. It also strengthens his connection to his dedicated fanbase, particularly in his beloved hometown of Austin. The event generated massive social media engagement, proving that fans are eager to participate in and celebrate the cultural phenomena surrounding their favorite actors.
The success of the Glen Powell contest, from the Torchy’s queso prize to the 2025 Golden Globes appearance, highlights a new era of celebrity engagement where the line between the star and the fan is playfully blurred. Max Braunstein’s journey from a physician's assistant to a red-carpet guest and future movie cameo is a modern-day Cinderella story, proving that sometimes, looking like a Hollywood star can lead to a Hollywood opportunity.
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