'Heated Rivalry' Fans Organize Lookalike Contest in NYC to Celebrate Queer Hockey Romance

New York City fans of the hit queer hockey romance series "Heated Rivalry" are set to gather at Washington Square Park on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at 2 p. m. ET for a lookalike contest celebrating the show's protagonists, Russian hockey player Ilya Rozanov and Canadian Shane Hollander .

"Heated Rivalry", an adaptation of Rachel Reid's "Game Changers" novel series, depicts the two rival athletes as they compete fiercely on the ice while concealing their romantic relationship off it. The series has surged in popularity since its release, becoming a streaming phenomenon that has even prompted real-life hockey players to come out as LGBTQ+.

Organizers describe the event as a homage to "the best hockey player power couple of all time, "inviting participants who resemble Ilya or Shane to "prep those accents and get ready to pucker up"around the park's fountain. A $50 cash prize awaits the winners, with the contest framed as an antidote to "dismal"online dating prospects, aiming to give "the girls, the gays, and theys something to yearn for in 2026."

As of the latest reports, 1, 613 people have RSVP'd to attend, signaling strong enthusiasm from the fandom. Social media reactions underscore the event's appeal within LGBTQ+ circles, with one fan declaring, "Get in, loser. we are going boyfriend hunting at the heated rivalry look-alike contest." Another posted, "the winner for shane hollander better be a wasian woman , "reflecting playful diversity in fan casting.

The contest continues a tradition of fan-driven lookalike events at Washington Square Park, previously held for celebrities like Chappell Roan and Timothée Chalamet. Some attendees expressed a desire for broader representation, with one noting, "Why can’t we ever do this for yellowjackets i’m trying to find a wife." This sentiment highlights how "Heated Rivalry"'s success is fueling demands for more inclusive fan spaces celebrating queer and diverse stories.

The series' "face cards"—referring to the actors'striking appearances—have dominated social media since the show's debut, amplifying its reach among LGBTQ+ audiences. Participants are encouraged to channel their best "smouldering stare"and even sip ginger ale, nodding to character quirks from the show.

While specific details on fan visits to real-life ice rinks tied to the show's production—such as locations in Canada—appear in related coverage, the NYC contest stands out as the most prominently documented recent event with global fandom resonance. Videos circulating online further capture the fervor, showing crowds at ice rinks buzzing with "Heated Rivalry" excitement.

For LGBTQ+ communities, "Heated Rivalry" represents a milestone in queer representation in sports media, blending high-stakes athletics with authentic romance between men. The lookalike event underscores this impact, fostering joy, connection, and visibility for transgender people, gay men, and nonbinary individuals through its inclusive "gays and theys"framing. Organizers emphasize the park as the "birthplace of the tradition, "positioning the contest as a kickoff to 2026's fan event season.

No official statements from the show's cast, creators, or production teams were immediately available regarding the fan event. However, its rapid organization and massive RSVPs illustrate the organic, community-led momentum behind "Heated Rivalry", which continues to inspire real-world actions among fans worldwide.