The internet is home to some pretty strange things. Over the years it has birthed obscure challenges like the Cinnamon Challenge, the Mannequin Challenge and the Ice Bucket Challenge.
Some, like the latter, have been for good causes. But most spawned from stupidity and boredom.
The latest challenge to hit the net is the Bottle Cap Challenge. I’m not gonna lie- I kinda get the appeal of this one because it’s pretty cool.
Here’s how it works: a bottle cap is placed on top of the bottle but not twisted shut. The goal is to perform a roundhouse kick and untwist the cap without moving the bottle itself. The videos are shot in slow motion for maximum dramatic effect, of course.
The Bottle Cap challenge originated in the world of MMA which makes sense, because they’re probably the only people in the world who can perform a roundhouse kick and not pull something.
The Challenge Was Started by UFC Fighter Farabi Davletchin and, following him, UFC Featherweight Champion Max Hollway who made the challenge go viral by nominating other celebs to give it a crack.
John Mayer certainly delivered:
As did Jason Statham and Diplo:
And Ellie Goulding interrupted the “sausage fest” to show that girls can do it just as good too:
The challenge is slowly but surely taking over my newsfeed and while I am impressed I also can’t help but roll my eyes- it is the very embodiment of celebrity privilege. Not in the typical sense: I’m not talking about expensive handbags and designer endorsements.
But only a celebrity would have enough time and patience to indulge such a trivial challenge. Also, it shows just how desperate celebs are for attention.
What started out as a test of sporting ability and skill in the MMA world has developed into a viral trend simply because celebs have to be included.
It provides instant gratification to other ego- they post a video looking badass in slow motion and watch the excited comments roll in.
I judge them but I also low-key want to give this challenge a crack. I’m coming for you, Ellie Goulding.