Lake Norman

Lake Norman viral TikToker earns spot in global contest. Here’s how you can join him

Alex Presley demonstrates a cup game that he plays in his TikTok videos in Cornelius, N.C., on Wednesday, January 17, 2024.
Alex Presley demonstrates a cup game that he plays in his TikTok videos in Cornelius, N.C., on Wednesday, January 17, 2024. Knikouyeh@charlotteobserver.com

A viral TikTok creator from the Lake Norman area has joined a rather odd and challenging global competition that you can enter, too.

The Red Bull Can You Make It event pits teams of three who must use cans of the energy drink as their only currency while traveling across Europe for a week.

That includes everything they need, from food to transportation to lodging, according to the contest rules.

The competition recently accepted a team that includes Alex Presley, whose Quarantine Olympics videos went viral during the pandemic with 3 million followers and 142.4 million likes).

@alexpresley_ Day 25 of the Summer Games The Balloon Distance Challenge. Much harder than you think #summergames #balloondistancechallenge #familyfun ♬ Coffee for Your Head - Vinyll

Presley is a 29-year-old graduate of SouthLake Christian Academy in Huntersville and UNC Wilmington.

The videos showed physical competitions that family and friends could do at home.

And “how to embrace tough situations,” according to a Red Bull news release this week.

That’s also something Presley will need to do during the competition in Europe, Red Bull officials said.

His team also consists of his twin brother, Zach, and a best friend, according to Red Bull.

Registration ends at the end of March, and selected teams will be notified by April 15.

Teams must create and submit “a simple and fun 60-second video” that explains why they should be picked for the trip.

Apply at Red Bull You Can Make It.

Joe Marusak
The Charlotte Observer
Joe Marusak has been a reporter for The Charlotte Observer since 1989 covering the people, municipalities and major news events of the region, and was a news bureau editor for the paper. He currently reports on breaking news. Support my work with a digital subscription
Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER