YouTube anniversary: Rémi Gaillard brings Mario Kart to life, explaining how ordinary people accomplish extraordinary feats
In a daring blend of video games and real-life pranks, French internet personality Rémi Gaillard brought the iconic Nintendo game "Mario Kart" to the streets of his hometown, Montpellier, in a viral video that gained significant attention on YouTube.
Released on December 3, 2008, the video showcases Gaillard, dressed as a Mario Kart character, using homemade go-karts and props to replicate the gameplay of the popular racing game on actual streets. The video, filled with sound effects from the Mario Kart game, starts with a traffic light transitioning into a high-speed go-kart race.
The video's protagonist, Gaillard, is seen stopping at a gas station mid-race to refuel, adding a touch of realism to the otherwise fantastical scenario. He also throws bananas at his pursuers, a nod to the game's signature items. The video culminates in an altercation with the police, with Gaillard discreetly escaping from a routine police check.
The video's success led to Gaillard being invited to speak at the TEDx conference in Montpellier in 2010 and being featured on the French television show "Touche pas à mon poste!" in 2010. It was also nominated for a YouTube Award in the "Most Creative Video" category in 2009.
Gaillard's "Mario Kart" video has been credited with inspiring other prank videos and internet sensations. The success of this video prompted Gaillard to create more humorous videos, such as "Rémi vs Wild" and "Rémi vs Zombies." As of December 2021, the video has received over 100 million views, solidifying its status as one of the most successful prank videos on YouTube.
Rémi Gaillard, born on February 7, 1975, is known for his humorous and outrageous videos, often involving public pranks and social experiments. His videos, which parody popular culture and feature stunts that mimic video games, have helped establish him as a popular internet personality in France.
In the realm of popular internet personalities, Rémi Gaillard's humorous lifestyle encompasses not only public pranks and social experiments but also includes creative entertainment, such as re-enacting the iconic Nintendo game "Mario Kart" on real streets. This entertaining approach to life has earned Gaillard significant attention, culminating in a YouTube video featuring him in a Mario Kart costume, using homemade go-karts, and incorporating props to mimic the gameplay.
