I know some really wanted an influencer to win, but I feel this actually played out the best.
Sure, someone like Big Cat would have generated more attention over the next 2 weeks, but once it was done Akron's 1 month of fame would be over. Everyone would think the contest was rigged and not want to participate again. Given that a Joe Akron won Akron can easily run this exact promotion or similar ones in future years and people will participate because they won't think it's fixed.