Hundreds Gather for Bad Bunny Look-Alike Contest in San Francisco

Fans of the global superstar singer celebrated his music and style ahead of his Super Bowl halftime show performance.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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A Bad Bunny look-alike contest at a San Francisco restaurant drew hundreds of the singer's fans, who cheered on contestants channeling the artist's signature looks and dance moves. The event, organized by the Mission Loteria group, featured more than 30 participants from across the Bay Area competing for a $100 prize. The party spilled out onto the street, where a DJ played Bad Bunny's hits and some fans dressed up as endangered species featured in his music videos.

Why it matters

Bad Bunny's global popularity has helped introduce Latin music and culture to wider audiences, even as some communities in the U.S. have faced anti-immigrant sentiment. This event highlights the artist's broad appeal, especially among younger fans who are drawn to his unique style and socially conscious lyrics.

The details

Contestants at the look-alike contest donned straw hats known as 'pavas,' traditionally worn by Puerto Rican farmers, as well as shearling aviator hats similar to ones Bad Bunny has worn. They channeled the singer's signature 'perreo,' or twerking, dance moves and held signs criticizing the Trump administration's immigration policies. The grand prize went to a professional Bad Bunny impersonator from Colombia.

  • The look-alike contest took place on February 7, 2026.
  • Bad Bunny is set to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show this weekend.

The players

Bad Bunny

A 31-year-old Puerto Rican singer who has become a global superstar, blending Latin trap and reggaeton with traditional Latin rhythms.

Mission Loteria

A group that promotes Latino businesses and organized the Bad Bunny look-alike contest in San Francisco.

Abdul Ramirez Arroyave

A professional Bad Bunny impersonator from Colombia who won the look-alike contest.

Adam Fox

A 24-year-old aspiring actor from Belmont, California who competed in the look-alike contest.

Alejandro Kurt

A 23-year-old from Belmont, California who competed in the look-alike contest alongside his friend Adam Fox.

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What they’re saying

“His music 'is like art. You don't have to totally understand it. It could just be something that's beautiful.'”

— Adam Fox, Aspiring actor (Associated Press)

“I love to perrear and dance, so I do love that aspect of his music. His last album has deeper lyrics that speak to me because they talk about our shared humanity.”

— Pamela Guo (Associated Press)

What’s next

Bad Bunny is set to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show this weekend, where his global popularity and influence on Latin music and culture will be on full display.

The takeaway

This event highlights Bad Bunny's widespread appeal, particularly among younger fans drawn to his unique style and socially conscious messaging, as he continues to introduce Latin music and culture to wider audiences.