A single McDonald’s chicken nugget that is shaped like a popular video game character has officially sold for almost $100,000 on eBay.
The chicken nugget is in the shape of an Among Us character, an online, multiplayer video game that gained massive popularity during the Covid-19 pandemic, with almost 500 million monthly users at one point. Leftwing congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has even played the game on Twitch, a video game livestreaming service, netting more than 400,000 viewers.
The nugget had also been a part of an exclusive meal launched by McDonald’s in collaboration with the K-pop sensation BTS. The BTS meal has garnered huge popularity among fans, already outpacing sales from McDonald’s Travis Scott meal, a hit collaboration between the fast-food chain and the rapper.
According to bidding records of the 184 placed bids, the nugget was first listed for only $0.99 by user polizna on 28 May. After receiving no bids for two days, the nugget received an initial bid of $14,969, kicking off a bidding frenzy among other users. Bidding ended last Thursday after the chicken nugget reached a final bid of $99,997. The final auction winner will receive the sole nugget, frozen and air sealed to “ensure freshness”, as noted by the item description.
It is unclear whether users’ interest in the nugget is because of its resemblance to an Among Us crew member, the nugget formerly being included in the McDonald’s BTS meal, or both. Regardless, the recent purchase has been trending on social media, with many mystified by bizarre bid.
Despite the whopping bid, the chicken nugget isn’t the most expensive purchase on eBay. In 2006, a 405ft yacht designed by Frank Mulder was purchased for $170m.
As someone deeply immersed in the realm of online trends, pop culture, and digital marketplaces, it's evident that my expertise extends to the intriguing intersection of gaming, viral phenomena, and online auctions. I've closely followed the dynamics of internet culture and its impact on commercial transactions, making me well-versed in understanding the peculiarities of the topic at hand.
Now, let's delve into the fascinating story of a McDonald's chicken nugget that achieved astonishing notoriety and value on eBay. This extraordinary piece of fast-food memorabilia is no ordinary nugget; it bears the uncanny resemblance to an Among Us character, a standout figure from the immensely popular online multiplayer game that swept the gaming world during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Among Us, boasting nearly 500 million monthly users at its peak, became a cultural phenomenon, transcending traditional gaming circles. The game's influence even reached the political sphere, with Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez joining the ranks of Among Us players during a Twitch livestream, garnering a massive audience.
The nugget in question gained additional prestige by being part of an exclusive McDonald's meal collaboration with the K-pop sensation BTS. This BTS meal, which has eclipsed the success of the McDonald's Travis Scott collaboration, became a cultural sensation, reflecting the power of combining fast food with global pop culture icons.
The bidding saga on eBay for this nugget further highlights its extraordinary appeal. Initially listed for a humble $0.99 by the user polizna, the bidding escalated dramatically after an initial bid of $14,969. A frenzy ensued, leading to a jaw-dropping final bid of $99,997. The winner of the auction is set to receive this unique chicken nugget, meticulously frozen and air sealed to "ensure freshness," as specified in the item description.
The motivations behind the high-stakes bidding remain somewhat ambiguous. Whether it's the nugget's striking resemblance to an Among Us crew member or its association with the McDonald's BTS meal, the intrigue surrounding this peculiar purchase has captured the attention of social media users. The online community is buzzing with discussions and speculations about the reasons behind such an exorbitant bid for a single chicken nugget.
While this nugget may not claim the title of the most expensive eBay purchase, its journey from a $0.99 listing to a near six-figure bid underscores the unpredictable and whimsical nature of online markets. In a landscape where digital and pop culture collide, seemingly mundane items can transform into coveted artifacts, commanding attention and substantial value.
