The two streamers did a livestream-PK link-up to see who got more gifts.
Tips
culture
连麦 is a defining feature of Chinese livestreaming: the host can pull a viewer or another host into a split-screen call. 连麦PK (PK link-ups) are a competitive format where two streamers face off and viewers donate to vote — the loser does a forfeit. Major revenue mechanic on 抖音, 快手, YY, 虎牙.
usage
麦 (mài) here is short for 麦克风 (màikèfēng, microphone — phonetic loan). 连 (lián) = 'connect'. So 连麦 = 'connect mics'. Compare 上麦 (shàngmài, 'go on mic' = take the mic in a chat room), 下麦 (xiàmài, 'leave the mic').
