MrBeast, one of YouTube’s biggest content creators, is once again making YouTube history with his own Amazon show release, the “Beast Games.” The show, which promises contestants a $5 million dollar cash prize, attracted 2000 hopeful contestants to Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Beneath the shiny facade, reports from The New York Times and other newspapers have revealed that many, if not all, contestants faced grueling conditions, food shortages and lack of proper medical care. This has sparked ethical concerns about the extreme nature and conditions of the new show.
According to some contestants, the long hours and unsafe challenges, and setups, have led to serious bruises, injuries, and even hospitalization. Many had expected intense physical challenges, but were not prepared for what they described as “poor living conditions and lack of proper humane care.” Some stated they suffered over twenty hours without food, while others struggled to take their proper medications on time.
Although MrBeast’s team has acknowledged these issues and has agreed to improve the conditions, the situation still raises awareness as to whether or not to continue the show. There are still questions of the ethics of these entertainment games and how far some people will go for money.
For much of the younger audience, MrBeast is a huge influence and role model to them, inspiring many with his generosity and entertaining them with not only his high-stakes videos, but now his new show.
Luke Munoz ’27 said, “Overall I liked Beast Games and I think it’s really entertaining from seeing different people’s backgrounds to the games that are being played. I also liked to see how people react on their own, even in difficult situations.”
However, this current situation has some students seeing the dangers of the show. Suvir Khanna ’27 shared a different perspective, stating, “I think the Beast Games are very entertaining, but also serve as an important reminder that money isn’t worth risking lives. Many people are easily influenced, and recreating stunts like these could be bad.”
The show has made students and many others rethink how they view MrBeast and how much money is worth time. Now in our current world, many social media stunts are only getting bigger and more dangerous, testing how far is too far. Which begs the question, would any Cubs be willing to endure these hardships for a chance at success?
