It was a marriage standoff like no other as a South Sudanese man, Thon Chol Riak, secured his bride, Atong Aguto Monyroor, after outbidding a rival in a jaw-dropping bride price contest that set tongues wagging.
The lavish wedding ceremony took place on February 1, 2025, following months of intense public attention over the couple’s courtship and the competition for Atong’s hand in marriage.
As part of the Dinka tradition, the process involved open bride price negotiations where suitors laid out massive offers of livestock, cash, land, and luxury assets before the community.
The contest kicked off in December 2025 when two powerful families stepped forward with eye-watering bids, instantly generating debate both offline and online.
One camp, the Awulian community backing Mabior Abit Biar, reportedly offered 158 cows, 161 goats, dozens of sheep, a town bungalow, seven plots of land in Juba, two vehicles, and about KSh 3.2 million ($25,000) in cash.
But the Abang community, standing behind Thon Chol Riak, raised the stakes, promising a staggering 297 cows, KSh 9.9 million ($77,000) in cash, multiple plots of land, other prized assets, and educational sponsorships for two in-laws.
That blockbuster offer sealed the deal and handed Riak victory in what many are calling one of the most extravagant dowry battles in recent memory.
