#WatermelonBoy spotted at #WBBL01! pic.twitter.com/qBDrMiambE
— 10 Sport (@10SportAU) January 2, 2016
This Ten Sport TV video was tailor-made for viral madness because it’s so darn bizarre. In the stands of a New Year’s Day cricket game in Australia, a young boy sat alone in the stands. His lack of parental supervision isn’t what grabbed people’s attention. Nope, everyone noticed how the boy gobbled an entire watermelon as he watched the game. He ate the whole shebang — innards, shell, and skin — and the internet turned him into a meme.
Look at this kid dig into his meal. He’s not messing around at all.
Let's get #WatermelonBoy to No 1! RT pic.twitter.com/HFOmkXUn7x
— 10 Sport (@10SportAU) January 2, 2016
In swift order, the #WatermelonBoy hashtag took off, and the fruit was back in style.
Dear #watermelonboy you have inspired me to go to my local green grocer to get me some @tensporttv pic.twitter.com/PJEVmmUhRM
— Daniel Brewer 🎙 (@danbrewerradio) January 2, 2016
Comparisons to a certain television character were inevitable.
@tensporttv #watermelonboy pic.twitter.com/PRv1sUiR7w
— Josh Moore (@moore_j89) January 2, 2016
Journalists quickly dug into WatermelonBoy’s sordid past.
@tensporttv He did start young #watermelonboy #BBL05 #BBL pic.twitter.com/PDxeLiVMh0
— Ron (@Ron_Boll) January 2, 2016
Some folks were suspicious of WatermelonBoy’s motives and thirst for fame.
https://twitter.com/TheMattBungard/status/683219522245931010
Exclusive interview with #watermelonboy on Sunday morning on @SENNews just after 9am on Sunday Recovery Session @tensporttv @BBL
— Tony Schibeci (@theschibecsta) January 2, 2016
WatermelonBoy quickly inspired a few modes of transportation.
@tensporttv #WatermelonBoy transport home #WBBL01 pic.twitter.com/T937pA83Vw
— CrazyCatLady-1612-7🐱슈가 🍊🥢🪷 fan account (@DenTay1612) January 2, 2016
@tensporttv #watermelonboy His new car pic.twitter.com/MCfmHFlVjs
— Daniel Brewer 🎙 (@danbrewerradio) January 2, 2016
One person suggested that WatermelonBoy should run for public office.
https://twitter.com/VinceRugari/status/683252883576365057
Naturally, someone created a WatermelonBoy Twitter account to keep fans updated on his future scarfing endeavors.
Looking at signing up for a new movie. #watermelonboy pic.twitter.com/eQN7n1RiJU
— Mitch (@Watermelonboyau) January 2, 2016
Here is my final effort tonight. I hope to do better next time pic.twitter.com/KRAkGWFCKa
— Mitch (@Watermelonboyau) January 2, 2016
Some folks found hope in WatermelonBoy’s status as hero.
Something about a young boy eating a watermelon bringing cricket fans and non-fans together gives me hope for 2016. #watermelonboy
— Melinda Farrell (@melindafarrell) January 2, 2016
In the end, the little fella was all tuckered out from his watermelon-eating adventures. He will live to eat other day.
It's been a big night for @watermelonboyau #watermelonboy. Time for sleep @tensporttv @BBL pic.twitter.com/mRg4xZoLN8
— Tony Schibeci (@theschibecsta) January 2, 2016