A Beast Games contestant has opened up about what it’s really like to battle against 1,000 people – including former professional athletes like NFL players and track stars.
In a candid YouTube video, Player 829 spoke about trying to land the largest cash prize in game show history. Jimmy Donaldson – also known as Mr Beast, vowed to award the winner $5million (almost £4million).
So as you can imagine, the programme that’s airing on Prime Video is extremely tense. Speaking about his involvement in the first episode, he said: “It was one of the most electric moments. Everyone was freaking out, cheering like crazy.”
To start the games, Mr Beast offered players a share of $1 million (£800,000) to leave immediately, this led to 52 contestants stepping down to get (£15,311) each.
While this was happening, Player 829 decided to speak to fellow contestants nearby. He recalled: “My mindset was to talk to everyone around me. I’m trying to convince everyone, ‘If you’re here for $10,000, take this money and get out of here so we can get your out the contestant pool and get further in the game’.”
As the competition progressed, there were more moral dilemmas including whether or not you would sacrifice your position to save your team.
There were also physical challenges, like capture the flag, which really tested those in attendance. And for dramatic effect, anyone who gets eliminated falls through a trapped door.
The former player said: “All of the towers have trapped doors on them so when you get eliminated, you fall down and dark shoot. There’s a foam pit down there. I was absolutely terrified because I’m scared of heights. When you walk on the towers, the trapdoors have a little bit of give. When you lean, the trapdoors open and shut a little bit.
“I was so scared that it was going to do a false drop. This was my biggest fear because number one, I don’t want to go home this early but I also didn’t want to fall down that shoot. It seemed absolutely terrifying.”
Finally, he shared just how much waiting around there was between games, shots and production. It sounded like this was one of the most gruelling parts of the entire process.
He said: “For every hour that we filmed, we had 15 hours of stand-by. I don’t even think that’s an exaggeration. Between every take that we did, we were sitting there for five or six hours. Every stage of this, you are next to somebody new. They put you with a team, then they pit you against your team, then you’re on a new team.
“It’s a vicious cycle of free-for-alls and betrayal and team work. It is emotionally draining. I think this was filmed at 2 to 5am. A lot of times, we would film until the sun came up. So everyone is sitting there for hours, doubt starts to creep in and you start to get a bit crazy, tired, delirious and emotional.”
After the contestant opened up about starring in the viral show, people were quick to leave their messages of support. One viewer said: “Wow. Bro this was amazing. I have dreamed on going on a Mr Beast video only 12 so a bit young. Keep it up. I hope you win some money and have fun.”
Another viewer added: “So cool to watch along with you. Cannot wait to continue to watch with you! Thanks for at least letting us know you are in a couple more episodes. Trying to spot you but so many people!”
And a third viewer said: “Contestant 306 here! I regretted everyday for not sacrificing myself to save 305. Then I found out it was @mrbeast fave scene of the challenge and I regret it more now.”