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“Magikarp Guy” meme: meaning, origin and epic card

Magikarp Guy is a meme from an Australia’s Got Talent promo video aired in December 2015.

MyMemeCards editorial teamPublished 8 min read
Magikarp Guy meme
The “Magikarp Guy” meme, 2015

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In MyMemeCards, the meme card game, “Magikarp Guy” is an epic card of the Memes World series 70, number 20873 of the collection, and the 66th best-known meme of its 243 cards. Here is what the meme means, where it comes from, and how to get its card.

What does the “Magikarp Guy” meme mean?

This face captures visceral shock, awe, or utter disbelief at something unexpected. The image freezes the moment when reason gives way to pure surprise. It is used to illustrate an exaggerated, often comedic reaction to an artistic performance or shocking revelation. The frozen grimace has become the universal symbol for a massive jaw-drop in internet culture.

Where does the “Magikarp Guy” meme come from?

The source traces back to a promotional clip for the 2016 season of Australia’s Got Talent, produced by Channel Nine and released in December 2015. In the footage, a red-haired man watches an off-screen performance with rare intensity. On December 28, 2015, Reddit user circusactone extracted a GIF titled “Ever go full Magikarp?” posted to r/gifs, launching the image as a viral phenomenon. The name references the Pokémon Magikarp, known for its permanent open-mouthed look. On December 31, 2015, the subject’s identity was revealed as Josh Saunders, a 21-year-old dance teacher from Sunbury, Victoria. The exact nature of his expression remains unclear, whether spontaneous or staged.

  1. December 2015Release of the Australia’s Got Talent promotional video by Channel Nine.
  2. December 28, 2015Viral distribution of the first GIF on Reddit by user circusactone under the title “Ever go full Magikarp?”
  3. December 31, 2015Revelation of the spectator’s identity: Josh Saunders, a 21-year-old dance teacher.

How to use the “Magikarp Guy” meme

  • Share the GIF during a conversation to highlight your own shock at an absurd new piece of news.
  • Use the image as a humorous reply when someone recounts an incredible or unbelievable feat.
  • Add laser effects around the face to emphasize the dramatic and surreal nature of the reaction.

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The “Magikarp Guy” card in MyMemeCards

Magikarp Guy card
NumberNo. 20873
RarityEpic
CollectionMemes World series 70
Fame79/100 · #66 of 243
Recycle value20 MemeCoins (60 in Shiny)
Rarities of the Memes World series 70: 243 cards
  • Common197.8%
  • Rare197.8%
  • Epic19580%
  • Legendary62.5%
  • Mythic41.6%

How to get the “Magikarp Guy” card

Every pack holds 5 meme cards, the first 3 of them Common; Magikarp Guy comes out of the Memes World series 70 as an epic card. The pack odds say what each rarity weighs.

Your first pack is free and needs no account. After that a new free pack lands every 10 minutes, up to 3 waiting for you. You can also buy the card with MemeCoins on the market, bid for it at auction, or trade it — and a double recycles into 20 MemeCoins.

Open your free pack

5 meme cards, one of them at least Rare. One free pack per person.

Free · no account needed

Odds per card, averaged over a pack: Common 72%, Rare 23.9%, Epic 3.2%, Legendary 0.56%, Mythic 0.3%, Full Art ≤ 0.1%, Shiny 0.2%. Cards 1 to 3 are always Common, cards 4 and 5 climb the rarities. Rates drop for cards that circulate a lot. Details

Memes like “Magikarp Guy”

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Frequently asked questions

Who is Magikarp Guy?

He is Josh Saunders, a 21-year-old Australian dance teacher who appeared in an Australia’s Got Talent commercial in 2015.

Why is he called Magikarp Guy?

His open-mouthed expression strongly resembles the design of the Pokémon Magikarp, famous for its gaping mouth and silly look.

Is it true or false that he acted his reaction?

Sources do not confirm if his shock was genuine or staged; this remains officially unknown.

Where can I find the original GIF?

The initial GIF was posted on Reddit by user circusactone on December 28, 2015, in the r/gifs community.

How do I get the Magikarp Guy meme card?

Open a pack of MyMemeCards: “Magikarp Guy” is an epic card of the Memes World series 70. Your first pack is free, with no account, and you can also buy, trade or win the card at auction.

How rare is the Magikarp Guy card?

It is an Epic card. Rarity decides which pack slot can deal it, and what it is worth on the market.

Sources: Magikarp Guy: The Australia's Got Talent Reaction Meme · Magikarp Guy - Know Your Meme · Meme: O Garoto Magikarp · checked on October 11, 2026.

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