In China, a man identified as Zhang ended up in court after spending 20,000 yuan (roughly Rs 2.3 lakh) on registration fees in a "self-discipline challenge". Zhang failed three times to win the top prize of 860,000 yuan (about 1.1 million), leaving him frustrated and financially strapped.

Organized by the Xian Mulin Culture Communication Company in northwest China, the "self-discipline challenge" offered participants the chance to win big prizes if they strictly followed strict rules while being monitored by surveillance cameras. Zhang's troubles began in September when he signed up for the competition's highest level, lured by the lure of the top prize. He paid an entrance fee of 6,900 yuan per attempt, a total of 20,000 yuan for three attempts.

The participants faced a strict list of conditions: the lights could only be turned on and off once a day, and before 6 am; the cameras had to be unobstructed, ensuring that the contestants' faces were visible at all times, unobstructed for more than three seconds. It was also strictly forbidden to drink or cover the beers provided in the room.

The challenge offered larger prizes depending on the duration of successful participation: 6,800 yuan for three days, 28,000 yuan for six days, and a grand prize of 860,000 yuan for 26 days. However, entry fees also rose significantly with higher prize levels, raising concerns about the fairness and accessibility of the competition.

Zhang's attempts were fraught with setbacks. Her first trial ended in 24 hours for breaking the face covering rule. Determined to succeed, he re-registered the next day, only to fail when his back got in the way of the camera while making his bed.

"At that time I was unemployed and in debt. After failing the first time, I felt I had the experience to give it another go," Zhang shared, the South China Morning Post reported.

Refusing to give up, Zhang borrowed money from a friend for a third attempt. This time, he lasted 10 days before being kicked out for accidentally covering the beer bottles in the room.

A family member speculated that Zhang may have been the victim of a scam, which led him to file a lawsuit against Xian Mulin Culture Communication Company. The Xian court has agreed to hear the case, although a trial date has yet to be set. Zhang's lawyer criticized the challenge, describing its rules as "nonsensical and unfair", arguing that it imposed excessive psychological stress on participants.

“This is not just a financial loss; it's about how these challenges take advantage of vulnerable individuals," the lawyer said, suggesting the case could have wider implications for similar exploitation schemes.

Such challenges have been gaining momentum in China, but they have been more controlled. In a recent case, a court in Shandong province ordered a company to refund 5,400 yuan to a participant who paid 6,000 yuan to enter a similar "isolation challenge." The participant was disqualified for covering his face with a pillow while sleeping.