YouTube star MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, has announced a new coding challenge that has drawn attention from tech enthusiasts worldwide.
The competition will reportedly involve 100 software engineers working without access to Cursor, an AI-powered code editor, with a $1 million prize for the first participant to create a program that compiles successfully.
The challenge, shared via posts on X, is designed to test participants’ raw coding skills under pressure, without relying on AI tools. MrBeast, known for his extravagant contests—such as locking strangers in a room for 100 days or offering a private jet as a prize—continues to push the limits of high-stakes entertainment.
Reactions online have been mixed. Some users praised the concept as a creative way to evaluate talent, calling it “coding without a safety net.” Others criticized it as stressful and impractical, arguing that modern development often relies on tools like AI editors.
Past MrBeast challenges have also faced scrutiny for their intensity, with some observers describing them as extreme or psychologically taxing.
Details about the challenge’s timing, location, and participant selection have not yet been confirmed, and MrBeast’s team has not addressed concerns about feasibility or safety. The announcement comes as MrBeast continues to expand his content ventures, including his recent Amazon Prime show Beast Games.
The coding challenge highlights the growing intersection of technology and entertainment, and fans and critics alike are waiting for more information on how the contest will unfold.