While the medal count continues to climb in Milan-Cortina, the unofficial gold medal for "Best Olympic Village Content" has just been awarded to Team USA snowboarder Jake Pates. The 27-year-old halfpipe specialist has emerged as the breakout comedic star of the 2026 Winter Olympics, thanks to a hilarious TikTok "tattoo tour" that has taken the internet by storm. In a video that has now racked up millions of views, Pates casually revealed a massive Star of David tattoo on his chest, dropping a flirty one-liner dedicated to his "Jewish baddies" that has sent social media into a frenzy.
The Viral 'Jewish Baddies' Moment Explained
It all started with a simple "tattoo tour" video uploaded from the athlete's dorm in Livigno, Italy. Pates, known for his laid-back demeanor and high-flying tricks, walked fans through his ink collection with characteristic nonchalance. But the moment that stopped thumbs from scrolling occurred when he pulled down the collar of his shirt to show off a large, unfilled Star of David inked prominently on his upper right pec.
Without missing a beat, Pates pointed to the symbol and deadpanned, "That's for my Jewish baddies." The clip immediately went viral, circulating wildly on TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), with fans celebrating the unexpected and humorous tribute. The comment section instantly flooded with enthusiastic replies, with users jokingly booking flights to Italy and declaring Pates the "King of the Chosen People."
"I've never watched snowboarding before, but suddenly I'm Jake Pates' biggest fan," one top comment read, while another user added, "The 'Jewish baddies' delegation accepts this tribute graciously."
The 'Olympic Village's Most Eligible Bachelor'
This viral moment didn't happen in a vacuum. Leading up to the tattoo reveal, Pates had already established himself as one of the most entertaining personalities at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Just days prior, on Valentine's Day, he posted a video from his balcony overlooking the snowy Italian landscape, captioning it simply: "Free on Feb 14th by the way, in case anyone was wondering."
The combination of his self-deprecating humor, his single status, and the now-famous "Jewish baddies" line has earned him the title of the "Olympic Village's Most Eligible Bachelor" by pop culture outlets like Hey Alma. While other athletes are strictly focused on podiums, Pates seems to be mastering the art of the "vibe check," bringing a refreshing sense of fun to the high-pressure environment of the Games.
Interestingly, while the tattoo is very real, Pates has played coy about the deeper meaning behind it or his own religious identity, letting the ink—and the flirtatious comment—speak for itself. Whether it's a sincere expression of heritage or just a piece of art he loves, the internet has unanimously decided they are obsessed with it.
A Triumphant Comeback to the Halfpipe
Behind the viral fame and comedic timing lies a genuinely inspiring athletic journey. Jake Pates' presence at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Games is a victory in itself. After competing in the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics, the Colorado native effectively retired from the sport in 2020 due to injuries and mental health struggles. For nearly four years, he stepped away from the halfpipe, focusing instead on mental health advocacy and founding a nonprofit to help athletes with brain health.
His return to competitive snowboarding was fueled not by a desire for gold, but by a renewed love for the sport and a desire to just "have fun." That mindset was fully on display during the Men's Halfpipe Final on February 13, where Pates threw down a switch backside 1080 and a massive 1260. He finished in an impressive 8th place—matching his 2018 result—proving that he can still hang with the best in the world while having the time of his life.
More Than Just a Viral Star
"I never would have thought in a million years I'd be back in this position," Pates told reporters after his run. "I'm just trying to soak it up and enjoy it." This attitude resonates through his content. Unlike the tense, hyper-focused energy often seen at the Olympics, Pates is broadcasting pure gratitude and joy, which makes his "Jewish baddies" joke land even harder—it's authentic, goofy, and charmingly unfiltered.
Why This Moment Matters for Olympic Culture
The 2026 Winter Olympics have seen a surge in athletes becoming content creators, offering fans a behind-the-scenes look at life in the village. However, Jake Pates stands out because he isn't just showing off the cardboard beds or the cafeteria food; he's showcasing personality. In an era where athletes are often media-trained to give safe, robotic answers, Pates' willingness to show off a Star of David tattoo and flirt with an entire demographic of fans feels refreshingly human.
As the Games continue, all eyes will be on Pates' TikTok feed to see what he posts next. He may not be leaving Italy with a physical medal around his neck this time, but he has undoubtedly won the internet—and the hearts of "Jewish baddies" everywhere.
