The “performative male” theme stems from a popular stereotype of the same name that has recently become trending on social media. It refers to men or male-presenting individuals who try to get the attention of women through activities like reading feminist literature, drinking matcha tea, and listening to popular “sad girl” music artists like Laufey or Clairo. Most costumes donned by contestants consisted of glasses, feminist shirts or accessories, Labubu keychains, and tote bags full of props like vinyl records and Jane Austen novels.

“The performative male community needs to do better,” Illustration Freshman and second-place winner Bella Valentino said. “Treat your girlfriends better, treat your moms better, treat your sisters better. I’m okay with [not winning], second place is where I belong.”

Contestants were each allowed some time in front of the audience with a microphone to introduce themselves and give their best “performative male” jokes. The winner of the contest was determined by the loudness of the crowd’s cheering via a process of elimination. Macom would gesture towards one contestant and then another, and whoever out of the two received the least cheering was eliminated. The contestant who remained would then continue to face off against another contestant, and this process continued until the winner was determined.