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Lincolnshire, IL to Host 'Ben-Look' Contest Celebrating Local Matthew McConaughey Doppelganger

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, January 7th 2026 at 11:29 GMT by NBC Chicago
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Chicago Suburb of Lincolnshire to Host "Ben-Look" Contest, Celebrating Local Resident's Viral Doppelganger Fame

The Chicago suburb of Lincolnshire is gearing up to host a unique and playful contest: a look-alike competition for Ben Johnson, the actor who gained viral fame for his uncanny resemblance to actor Matthew McConaughey. The contest, slated for July 27th at Lincolnshire’s Summerdale Park, is a celebration of Johnson, a Lincolnshire resident who has become a local celebrity thanks to his striking similarity to the Oscar-winning actor. It's also a fundraiser for the Lincolnshire Civic Association.

The story began gaining traction earlier this year when photos of Johnson started circulating online, quickly attracting attention for the sheer accuracy of his resemblance to McConaughey. The photos went viral across multiple platforms, including Reddit, Twitter (now X), and various news outlets, with many initially believing the images were of McConaughey himself. Johnson, a high school teacher and basketball coach, initially resisted the comparisons but eventually leaned into the attention, embracing his "Ben-Look" persona.

The Lincolnshire Civic Association, the non-profit organization responsible for planning many of the town’s events, recognized an opportunity to capitalize on the local buzz and benefit the community. According to the NBC Chicago report, the "Ben-Look" contest is intended to be a fun, family-friendly event bringing the community together. Participants are encouraged to emulate Johnson’s – and therefore McConaughey’s – signature style, complete with relaxed attire, a possible beard, and a laid-back attitude.

The contest isn’t just about physical appearance, however. Judging criteria, as outlined on the Lincolnshire Civic Association’s dedicated contest page ([ https://www.lincolnshirecivicassociation.org/benlook ]), focuses on three key areas: physical resemblance (40%), “McConaughey-esque” style (30%), and personality/stage presence (30%). Contestants are encouraged to channel McConaughey's charisma and bring their A-game. The page details that contestants must register by July 26th and a $25 entry fee will be collected, with all proceeds benefiting the Civic Association’s community programs.

The prizes are substantial, totaling over $2,000. First prize is a whopping $1,000, along with a photoshoot with professional photographer John Hanson. Second place will receive a $500 gift card, and third place will take home a $250 gift card. Beyond the cash and prizes, the winner will also have the honor of being crowned the official “Ben-Look” of Lincolnshire. The contest page also details sponsorships from local businesses, further demonstrating the community’s enthusiastic support of the event.

The Lincolnshire Civic Association's website provides further details about the organization itself. They’ve been serving the community for over 60 years, hosting events and programs designed to enhance the quality of life for Lincolnshire residents. They organize annual events like the Red, White and Boom! 4th of July celebration, as well as supporting youth sports and various community initiatives. This contest is a creative departure for the association, leveraging a unique local story to raise funds for their ongoing work.

Ben Johnson himself is actively involved in promoting the contest. He's been sharing information on his social media accounts and is expected to be a judge at the event. He has expressed amusement and gratitude for the attention he’s received, emphasizing the positive impact it’s had on his community. He also acknowledges the humorous nature of the situation, often playfully responding to comments about the resemblance.

The “Ben-Look” contest represents a charming and lighthearted example of how local communities can embrace unexpected viral moments and turn them into opportunities for connection and fundraising. It's a testament to the power of social media to amplify local stories and a celebration of a local resident who unintentionally became an internet sensation. The event promises to be a fun-filled day for all ages and a unique opportunity to witness a gathering of Matthew McConaughey look-alikes in the heart of Lincolnshire.