After 48,000 Swipes, He Found Love Offline: The Story of Tinder’s Most Liked Man
For nearly a decade, Stefan-Pierre Tomlin held the curious title of being Tinder’s most “swiped-right” man. With over 48,000 likes and a peak of 40 daily matches, the 34-year-old model and trained pilot seemed to have the digital dating world at his feet. But behind the screen, his journey was far from a romantic fairytale. Instead, it was marked by years of unfulfilled connections and an unexpected realization: real love often lies beyond the app.
Tomlin, based in Greenwich, London, first downloaded Tinder in 2015. Like many others, he hoped to find a meaningful connection, but the app soon turned into a daily routine. By 2017, his online presence had skyrocketed—earning him the unofficial title of “Mr. Tinder” after a record number of users swiped right on his profile. Despite this viral fame, love remained elusive.
He admitted to becoming somewhat addicted, spending over three hours a day scrolling through potential partners. Yet none of the 15 dates or short-lived relationships that resulted from these interactions blossomed into something lasting. The irony was not lost on Tomlin—despite being one of the most sought-after profiles, genuine intimacy proved scarce.
“It became a numbers game,” he later reflected. “It was less about connection and more about recognition.”
That changed in October 2024 during what he described as a spontaneous night out with friends in Soho, London. There, he met Vicky Batsford, a 43-year-old finance manager from Essex. Dressed in a fitted black dress, Vicky caught his eye instantly. Their encounter was natural and effortless—so much so that he described it as “swiping right in real life.”
The two exchanged numbers that night and began as friends. Vicky had no idea about Tomlin’s digital fame, something he believes worked in their favor. “She saw me for who I am—not for the persona or the reputation,” he shared. It wasn’t until a casual online search days later that she discovered his internet history, prompting some initial skepticism.
“At first, I rolled my eyes,” Vicky admitted. “I even joked and asked if he was a player. But over time, I saw a very grounded, interesting man behind the hype.”
Their bond grew stronger over drinks and long conversations. Unlike his previous digital flings, their relationship was built on authentic connection, not curated profiles or filtered photos.
Today, the couple is happily committed and planning to move in together. Tomlin says that marriage is “definitely in the future” and describes Vicky as “the real deal.” He praises her humility, organizational nature, and the balance she brings to his more spontaneous personality.
“She’s the perfect woman for me. I’m completely off-limits now,” he says with a laugh.
Tomlin’s experiences with modern dating have led him to broader insights about love, connection, and the limitations of dating apps. While they may offer convenience and reach, he believes they rarely capture the essence of who someone truly is. He noticed that after gaining fame, many matches became superficial or transactional, with only a small fraction leading to meaningful conversations.
In response to these patterns, Tomlin launched a matchmaking service in 2021 called Celebrity Love Coach. The platform offers a more intentional alternative to app-based dating, helping clients navigate love with purpose and authenticity. So far, his company has successfully matched 52 couples.
Reflecting on his journey, Tomlin shares a message for those still navigating the unpredictable terrain of modern romance:
“Love often comes when you least expect it. You have to be open, patient, and willing to step outside your comfort zone.”
His story is a reminder that while technology has reshaped how we meet, the core of meaningful connection remains rooted in vulnerability, timing, and shared presence.
In an era dominated by digital impressions, Stefan-Pierre Tomlin’s experience is a testament to the enduring power of face-to-face connection. After nine years of swiping, he found love where he least expected it—offline, in a crowded bar, in the middle of ordinary life.
Source:
SWNS / New York Post
(Original reporting by George Jones)