A self-styled “prank king” known for harassing strangers on New York City sidewalks finally met his match Thursday when an exasperated pedestrian unleashed a dramatic stomp-kick that sent him tumbling – and the internet is calling it the most satisfying moment of 2025.

The prankster, who goes by “JokesOnYouNYC” on TikTok and Instagram (real name withheld pending charges), has built a following of 1.4 million by sneaking up behind people, yelling in their ears, fake-punching toward their faces, and running away laughing.

His latest stunt backfired spectacularly near Times Square.

Viral footage, filmed by multiple tourists, shows the 22-year-old creator approaching a 6-foot-4 man in a construction vest from behind. As usual, he winds up for a fake scare – only this time the victim spins around and lands a clean, two-footed stomp-kick straight to the prankster’s chest.

The impact launches the prankster backward onto the pavement, hoodie flying up over his face as his phone skitters across the sidewalk.

The construction worker calmly steps over him and keeps walking as stunned onlookers erupt in applause.

“Bro thought he was in a video game,” one bystander is heard yelling.

Within minutes the clip exploded across social media. By Friday night it had racked up 28 million views on X alone, with hashtags #PrankFail and #NYCKarma trending nationwide.

Top comments read:

“Finally someone treated him like the mosquito he is 😂”
“That wasn’t a kick, that was community service 👏”
“New Yorkers have spoken: Touch us and find out.”

The NYPD confirmed Friday that the prankster filed a complaint for assault, but officers declined to press charges after reviewing footage and speaking to witnesses.

“Victim stated he felt threatened and acted in self-defense,” an NYPD spokesperson said. “No arrests were made.”

Sources say the prankster was treated for minor bruising and a bruised ego at Bellevue Hospital and released.

His social media accounts went dark hours after the incident, with his most recent TikTok (captioned “Scaring tourists gone wrong 😭”) disabled by moderators for community guidelines violations.

This isn’t his first controversy. Last month he was banned from several Midtown blocks after business owners complained of customers being scared away.

The construction worker, identified only as “Mike from Brooklyn,” declined interviews but told a local news crew: “I just wanted to get to work. Dude’s been doing this for months. Enough is enough.”

Internet detectives quickly compiled a “greatest hits” of the prankster’s past videos, pointing out dozens of instances where women, elderly people, and even children were visibly terrified.

“Play stupid games, win stupid prizes,” became the top reply on every repost.

Some creators are now calling it a turning point.

“Prank culture has gone too far when people are afraid to walk down the street,” said comedian Vic Berger. “This kick just redrew the line.”

As of Saturday morning, GoFundMe pages titled “Coffee for Mike” and “Thank You Brooklyn Legend” have raised over $18,000 combined.

The prankster’s manager released a statement saying his client is “taking time to reflect” and plans to pivot to “positive content only.”

Meanwhile, New Yorkers are sleeping a little easier tonight.

Sometimes the city really does take care of its own – one well-timed kick at a time.