Traversing Whamageddon This Festive Season
Once the Halloween pumpkins are rotting in the bin, and the long days of summer are long past, Britain starts to transform. New sections filled with mince pies and pigs in blankets arrive in the supermarket, and before you know it, the Christmas season is upon you. Once you hear the tinkling of bells, it means one thing is on its way: Wham.
What is Whamageddon?
Whamageddon is a social challenge, often referred to as a survival game. It has been traced to video game forums, as far back as 2009. However, it was only in the last few years, mainly from 2022 onwards, that it has become extremely popular. The challenge even has its own website and merchandise.
The aim is to go from the 1st of December all the way up to Christmas Eve without hearing the hit “Last Christmas” by Wham. This is tough, as it is one of the most popular Christmas songs of all time. In the UK, it has reached the top two singles every year since 2002, and it is the most played Christmas song on North American radio.
As soon as you hear the song, you take to social media to announce that you are out of the challenge. Posted with the #whamageddon handle, you can now go about the rest of your Christmas season fear-free.
Could Whamageddon Spoil the Festive Fun?
Even supermarket chain Tesco mulled over the idea of getting involved. They announced on social media that they had considered removing Last Christmas from their playlists to help players. However, they decided against it because they believed it was too important in building the Yuletide spirit.
If you are playing, then you will surely not be spoilt for choice when it comes to other Christmas activities. Check local listings for markets and fairs, and be sure to visit the office Christmas party to let your hair down.
Online, even the iGaming sector gets involved by bringing out festive editions of popular bingo slots online. These include new versions of titles like Big Bass, along with unique titles like Santa’s Secret Party. In some cases, you can use welcome bonuses to try them without depleting your bankroll.
Major Whamageddon Mistakes
In 2023, football crowds at Northampton Town were incensed when the DJ Matt Facer played the track during a December 2nd game. Instantly knocking the 7000-strong crowd out of the game, he then had to give a public apology and faced backlash on Twitter. He told the BBC, “I can take it on the chin with my home fans and Portsmouth, but I don’t think I’ll be playing it again. I think it’s a shame people in professions like mine can’t play Wham! until late December, but it’s a game, and we all have to jump on board.”
As Christmas Day approaches, you need your wits about you to survive Whamageddon. Avoid the radio, turn off the TV, and settle in by the fireside. Only the strong will make it to Christmas Eve, or at best, a few days into December.