What's Happening?
The Ghoul Pool, a celebrity death prediction game, is gaining attention in St. Charles, Illinois. Organized by Warwick Price and Dove Thiselton, owners of the horror shop Ghoulish Mortals, the game involves
participants predicting the deaths of 13 celebrities over the course of a year. The game, which is free to enter, does not involve cash prizes; instead, winners receive gift cards to the shop. The Ghoul Pool has been running for eight years and has become a meticulous exercise for its participants. As of January 13, 2026, Bruce Willis and President Trump were tied as the most predicted deaths for the year, each receiving 37 predictions. The game is rooted in a long history of similar death pools, dating back to the 1400s, and has been featured in various cultural references, including films and literature.
Why It's Important?
The Ghoul Pool highlights a cultural fascination with celebrity and mortality, reflecting broader societal attitudes towards fame and death. It serves as a form of entertainment that allows participants to engage with these themes in a structured, albeit morbid, manner. The game also underscores the human tendency to predict and speculate about the future, particularly concerning public figures. While the Ghoul Pool is intended as a lighthearted activity, it raises questions about the ethics of betting on human life and the impact of such games on societal perceptions of death. The popularity of the Ghoul Pool suggests a continued interest in celebrity culture and the ways in which people interact with it.
What's Next?
As the Ghoul Pool continues to grow, it may attract more participants and potentially inspire similar games in other locations. The organizers, Warwick and Dove, may consider expanding the game or introducing new elements to keep it engaging for participants. Additionally, the game could prompt discussions about the ethical implications of death pools and their place in society. Stakeholders, including participants and cultural commentators, may weigh in on the appropriateness of such games and their impact on public attitudes towards death and celebrity.
Beyond the Headlines
The Ghoul Pool's existence and popularity may reflect deeper cultural and psychological phenomena, such as the human fascination with mortality and the desire to confront it in a controlled environment. It also highlights the role of humor and satire in dealing with uncomfortable topics, providing a space for people to explore their thoughts on death in a less serious context. The game could influence how people perceive the inevitability of death and the transient nature of fame, potentially leading to broader discussions about the value placed on celebrity status and the ways in which society memorializes public figures.
