Lord Miles Faces Allegations of Rigging Polymarket Bet on His Own Fast

Miles Routledge, an English YouTuber known online as Lord Miles and recognized for travel-related content from conflict and high-risk regions, including multiple trips to Afghanistan, has become the center of controversy over allegations that a prediction market tied to his fasting challenge on Polymarket was improperly influenced in his favor, after a series of events surrounding the challenge triggered sharp market volatility and online scrutiny.

The controversy stemmed from a contract hosted on Polymarket, where users were able to place wagers on whether Routledge would complete a publicly declared 40-day fast. The market attracted significant interest because the outcome depended directly on the actions and condition of the individual who was also the subject of the bet.

During the course of the challenge, rumors began circulating on social media claiming that the 26-year-old had passed away. Speculation intensified after Duel.com, identified publicly as a sponsor of Routledge, posted on social media stating that he had died. The post was widely shared and contributed to confusion surrounding his condition.

Further claims then emerged online alleging that Routledge had fallen into a coma while receiving treatment at a hospital in Saudi Arabia, and that he had suffered a severe medical reaction after being administered glucose intravenously. No official confirmation from medical authorities or family representatives accompanied these claims at the time they spread.

The circulation of these rumors coincided with heightened volatility on Polymarket, as traders reacted to uncertainty surrounding Routledge’s condition and the potential outcome of the fast. Prices in the relevant contract fluctuated sharply as speculation intensified across social platforms.

After Routledge later reappeared publicly and disputed claims that he had died, attention shifted to the structure and outcome of the betting market itself. Some observers began alleging that Routledge, or individuals close to him, had taken positions in the market betting that the fast would not be completed.

Those allegations intensified because the fast was concluded prematurely. Critics argued that the outcome raised questions about whether it may have been influenced by financial incentives tied to the prediction market. Routledge denied that he had manipulated the market or profited improperly, and Polymarket has not announced any formal finding of wrongdoing related to the contract.