iShowSpeed Hosts $250,000 Scavenger Hunt in Manhattan
The creator leads a citywide hunt to conclude a multi-month campaign by Dr. Squatch.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Contests
Live Poll
Do you trust marketing campaigns that replace traditional ads with scavenger hunts or public stunts?
Creator iShowSpeed is hiding in Manhattan today to challenge fans in a $250,000 scavenger hunt. The event marks the conclusion of the nine-week SPEEDRUN Million Dollar Mission marketing campaign.
Why it matters
Dr. Squatch organized this event to emphasize fan engagement and experiential participation over traditional advertising methods. The hunt spans across Manhattan to find the creator and claim the final grand prize.
The scavenger hunt offers a $250,000 grand prize following a nine-week campaign that utilized 4,000 Walmart stores as participation hubs. Organizers conducted 25 challenges across the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Australia to support the mission.
The players
iShowSpeed
A 21-year-old creator with approximately 184 million followers across social media platforms.
Dr. Squatch
A personal care company that specializes in natural soap products and maintains a large retail presence in major store chains.
The details
Fans track down five characters dressed as Dr. Squatch to retrieve numeric pieces of GPS coordinates, which are also distributed during a live stream. Participants must assemble these coordinates to locate iShowSpeed before the hunt ends at 4 p.m. ET.
Timeline
The scavenger hunt takes place in Manhattan on October 28, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. ET.
Dr. Squatch launched the SPEEDRUN Million Dollar Mission campaign in late August 2026.
Culture Shift
This event highlights the shift toward influencer-led marketing events as a primary brand strategy for companies attempting to engage younger demographics. It mirrors the broader transition away from traditional media toward viral, creator-hosted experiences.
Manhattan residents should expect increased foot traffic and potential congestion near the areas where the Dr. Squatch characters and iShowSpeed are located. Participants tracking the coordinates should prioritize safety while navigating the city to locate the prize.
The takeaway
Large-scale creator events can draw significant crowds to urban centers, creating unique logistical challenges for fans and local transit. Always monitor official social media channels during live scavenger hunts to receive real-time updates and safety guidance.
Further reading
For more information on ongoing brand events, visit Contests.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Rolling Out.
Live Poll
Do you trust marketing campaigns that replace traditional ads with scavenger hunts or public stunts?
