“Did she win a game?” Netizens joke after YouTuber MrBeast announces engagement to content creator Thea Booysen

After MrBeast, the American YouTube sensation known for his extravagant challenges and philanthropy, announced his engagement to fellow YouTuber Thea Booysen, social media erupted with a mix of humor, criticism and congratulations. Several netizens quickly turned the news into a playground for jokes and speculation, with many questioning the absence of a distinctive MrBeast-like challenge in the proposal.

One user, in the comments section on Instagram, cheekily asked if Thea had “won a game” to earn the ring, while another lamented: “She just had to say yes or no? No challenge and 15 mini-games before it all?” MrBeast, always ready with a witty reply, replied: “The challenge now is she’ll spend 80 years with me haha.”

The comments didn’t stop there; debates about engagement ring size and cost also took center stage, particularly on X (formerly known as Twitter). “Bro is a billionaire but got her an $800 ( ₹68,531) steals solitaire. I am speechless,” one user wrote, sharing a screenshot of a similar ring from a jewelry store.

Despite the playful criticism, fans largely expressed their excitement and best wishes for the couple.

MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that he proposed to Thea on Christmas Day in an intimate, family-filled moment. The YouTuber later shared a series of heartwarming photos on Instagram, capturing what he described as his “biggest collaboration yet.” In the pictures, the couple wore matching Christmas jumpers and were surrounded by their loved ones during their engagement celebrations.

In an exclusive interview with People, the 26-year-old shed light on the details of the proposal, which was thoughtfully designed to include both his and Thea’s families. “My family flew out from South Africa for Christmas and we had to spend Christmas at our house, so both families were here,” Booysen said. She told how the proposal unfolded: “We opened presents and for the very last present he asked me to close my eyes because it was a surprise.” MrBeast added his signature touch of humor and excitement by “deliberately dropping a large box to make noise before presenting the real gift – the ring.” When Thea opened her eyes, Jimmy was on one knee asking her to marry him.

The couple is eyeing a wedding “somewhere on an island far away from pretty much everyone,” opting for an intimate ceremony with close family and friends.

Known for his extravagant gestures, many fans had expected MrBeast to propose at a grand public event, perhaps at the Super Bowl or one of his iconic challenge videos. Instead, he surprised everyone by choosing a private and heartfelt moment. “My friends thought I was going to propose in a big public way, but I wanted it to be the opposite – something personal and special,” he explained.

Jimmy and Thea’s love story began when they met through a mutual friend during his tour in South Africa. At first, Thea thought their connection might be fleeting, but Jimmy’s persistence proved otherwise. Their bond deepened through months of long-distance communication, and Thea fell for his “mind, drive and character.” They began dating after his return to South Africa and their relationship continued to blossom. MrBeast proposed shortly after Thea earned her master’s degree in neuropsychology, marking another milestone in their journey together. In my mind we are already married. We are already on the same page about these things. We talk about kids, how we’re going to live together when we’re 70 years old… it was just another step in the process,” Thea said.

The engagement announcement also caught the attention of Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty who commented on the post, “Wohooo Congratulations” adding a touch of international celebrity cheer to the occasion.

Thea Booysen, a South African writer and content creator, hails from Cape Town. She has built a strong following through her online presence and academic work. Booysen holds degrees in psychology and law from Stellenbosch University, along with a master’s degree in neuropsychology from the University of Edinburgh. Her YouTube channel, “More Than Human”, explored psychological topics.

As the couple embark on this new chapter, it’s clear that their story has captured the imagination of fans worldwide. Whether through jokes, heartfelt congratulations or light-hearted criticism, social media reaction reflects the widespread affection and intrigue surrounding MrBeast and Thea’s relationship.