Archive · 31 Aug 2026
Nine Contestants Compete in New York Mamdani Look-Alike Contest
Hundreds of people gathered in New York City to watch a contest featuring nine Zohran Mamdani look-alikes.
The contestants copied the mayor’s hair, facial hair and clothing.
Some wore suits and patterned ties, while one wore an apron linked to a rap video Mamdani made.
Amadeo Fusca wore a New York Knicks jersey under a blazer.
Each contestant had to name a favorite kind of pizza.
The audience chose the winner by making the most noise.
Fusca won $100, and the runner-up received $50.
Police asked the group to leave Washington Square Park because it did not have a permit.
One contestant later said the contest was rigged, but the reported result remained Fusca’s victory.
Hundreds gathered near Washington Square Park for a Zohran Mamdani look-alike contest.
Nine contestants copied Mamdani’s hairstyles, facial hair, suits, ties and other clothing.
Amadeo Fusca won the crowd’s loudest applause and a $100 prize; the runner-up received $50.
Contestants answered a question about their favorite pizza, with applause determining the winner.
Police moved the event outside the park because organizers lacked a permit.
- Who
- Nine contestants, including Amadeo Fusca, competed before hundreds of attendees; the event was hosted by Sonder.
- What
- A Zohran Mamdani look-alike contest won by Amadeo Fusca.
- When
- Sunday; a similar contest was held in Brooklyn in 2025.
- Where
- Near Washington Square Park and the Washington Square Arch in New York City.
- Why
- The event was organized as a social gathering and to attract attention through Mamdani’s recognizable public image and social-media following.
Reported Result
Contestant’s Objection
Who won
Reported Result
Amadeo Fusca received the crowd’s loudest applause and won the $100 prize.
Contestant’s Objection
One 6-foot-2 contestant rejected the decision and claimed the contest was rigged.
Reason for the dispute
Reported Result
The event’s stated format was to choose the contestant who received the most applause.
Contestant’s Objection
The losing contestant alleged that organizers favored a weaker Mamdani impersonator and said applause for him was suppressed by a failing sound system.
- Winner
- Amadeo Fusca
- Winner’s prize
- $100
- Runner-up’s prize
- $50
- Contestants
- Nine men
- Host
- Sonder, a social app
- Judging method
- The winner was selected by the loudest audience applause after contestants answered a pizza question.
- Location change
- Police required organizers to leave Washington Square Park because they lacked a permit.
