Chloe Adams, a 19-year-old journalism student at Arizona State University and resident of Glennwilde, has turned heads with a unique twist on a classic childhood game. Along with her sister, she plays a variant of “slug bug” whenever they spot a billboard for local legal figure Brandon Rafi – instead of a punch for a Volkswagen Bug, it’s a playful poke whenever they see Rafi’s advertisements.
This light-hearted sibling rivalry blossomed into widespread recognition after Adams debuted her homemade “Call Rafi” costume at the recent Phoenix Fan Fusion. Unlike previous years when she opted for elaborate cosplay, this year she embraced the hilarity of Arizona’s beloved billboard icon, donning a costume complete with Rafi’s signature smile, black beard, and even a replica billboard.
Adams dedicated significant time to her costume, putting in eight hours to perfect her creation. It was a hit, attracting a steady stream of attention at the event. “The longest I could go without someone stopping me was 40 seconds,” she recounted, thrilled by the reception. The costume quickly went viral on social media, with videos shared widely, accumulating nearly 1 million views on TikTok.
The exposure did not go unnoticed. The marketing team from Rafi Law Group reached out to Adams for potential collaboration, resulting in her gaining tickets to a D-backs game for Father’s Day, marking a delightful climax to her unexpected fame.
This week, Adams will further engage with her newfound spotlight as she enters the Rafi Lookalike Contest in downtown Phoenix, aiming for a share of the $5,000 prize. In a bid to distinguish herself, she has cleverly bilingualized her billboard, incorporating both “Call Rafi” and “Llama Rafi” to connect with a broader audience.
Amidst her newfound viral fame, Adams maintains a clear vision for her future. As she dives deeper into her journalism studies, she reflects on how moments can resonate broadly, remarking on the way her costume spawned joy and connection among people. “It was just a way to connect almost all of Arizona,” she said, highlighting the power of shared humor and community.
In a world often divided, Adams’ experience serves as a reminder of the joy and togetherness that can emerge from lightheartedness and creativity. Her journey from a simple game with her sister to viral fame exemplifies the unexpected pathways that can arise from local culture and humor.