What is 'Whamageddon'? A viral game is making people avoid Wham's 'Last Christmas'

Believe it or not, the iconic 1984 Wham! song “Last Christmas”, an absolute holiday season favourite, has gotten a new meaning this year.

“Whamageddon”, a viral survival game, running from December 1 through the end of Christmas Eve, considers you out as soon as you recognise the song. Numerous individuals take to social media to share amusing stories of how they got "whammed."

However, only the original version is considered valid. This implies that covers, such as Emilia Clarke’s rendition in the Wham!-inspired film "Last Christmas," and even less polished renditions like off-key a cappella singing with friends, are acceptable.


The surge in popularity, driven by social media, originated among a group of friends in Denmark almost two decades ago.

Thomas Mertz, the curator of the dedicated website for the game, expressed his astonishment at the unexpected surge in its popularity. Reflecting on this phenomenon, he remarked, "I don’t think a game like this could exist without social media," highlighting the pivotal role of online platforms in its success, as reported by NBC News.

#Whamageddon has gained significant traction on TikTok, amassing over 11 million views. The game's official website also witnessed substantial traffic, with more than half a million visitors in the previous year. For enthusiasts, Whamageddon-branded merchandise, including mugs and shirts, is available.

“I never knew people took it so seriously,” Matt Facer said.

Thomas Mertz, the mind behind the game, emphasized that its inspiration is grounded in the holiday season's spirit. The essence of the game is to unite people through a touch of absurdity, fostering a sense of lightheartedness and togetherness.

“A lot of people enjoy this snippet of levity we can inject into their lives in a very stressful period of the year,” Mertz said. “It’s not so much about winning as much as it is about being in a shared experience.”

Indeed, given its status as the top-streamed holiday song in over 40 countries, successfully reaching Christmas without encountering Wham!'s iconic hit is considered a nearly impossible accomplishment.