# Record-Breaking Cosplay Rutgers Sets Record for Most ‘Where's Waldo?' Characters By Marissa Brassfield | Published 2009-04-05 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rutgers-wheres-waldo References: [urlesque](http://www.urlesque.com/2009/04/03/rutgers-breaks-the-record-for-most-waldos-in-one-place/) & [nymag](http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2009/04/rutgers_breaks_guinness_world.html) It's not the sort of thing a university aspires to become known for, but Rutgers University in New Jersey has broken the record for the most Waldos (of “Where's Waldo” picture book fame) in one place. Rutgers broke the “Where's Waldo?” record on April 2, when 1,052 students, staff and local community individuals donned the infamous [red-and-white striped shirt, matching winter cap](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crocs-costume), blue jeans and cane. **Implications** - In today's intensely integrated social media society, one of the best ways a company can generate attention for its products is by creating a [viral meme ad campaign](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/harris-walz). By making the effort to appeal directly to the Internet crowd, a company can establish itself as a cutting-edge brand in the minds of young, social media-savvy consumers. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.3/10 - Popularity: 7% | Activity: 83% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) > [Media](https://www.trendhunter.com/media) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Viral Meme Ad Campaigns:** Companies can generate attention for their products by creating viral meme ad campaigns that appeal to the internet crowd. - **Record-breaking Events:** Universities and organizations can break world records to generate attention and establish themselves as cutting-edge brands. - **Cosplay Culture:** Cosplay is becoming increasingly popular and can be leveraged by companies through sponsorships and brand integrations. ### Where This Applies - **Marketing and Advertising:** Companies can disrupt the traditional advertising model by embracing viral meme ad campaigns to generate attention and connect with social media-savvy consumers. - **Education:** Universities can establish themselves as innovative brands by organizing record-breaking events that generate attention and excitement among students and the community. - **Entertainment:** Cosplay culture is becoming increasingly mainstream, providing opportunities for companies to disrupt the entertainment industry through sponsorships and brand integrations. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Record-Breaking Gummy Mosaics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gummy-candy-mosaic.md) - [Record-Breaking Retailer Slumber Parties](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ikea-pyjama-gathering.md) - [Record-Breaking Drag Brunches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drag-brunch.md) - [Record-Breaking Pizza Parties](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/largest-pizza-party.md) - [Iconic Character-Inspired Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/etsys-christmas-ad.md) - [Character-Inspired Pasta](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/canned-pasta.md) - [Record-Breaking Community Hikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kathmandu-canada.md) - [Fun-Filled Toy Metaverses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/walmart-land.md) - [QSR Meme Costumes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spirit-halloween-chipotle.md)