Hundreds of people gathered near Washington Square Park on Sunday for a Zohran Mamdani look-alike contest, with nine contestants competing to see who could best channel New York City’s mayor.
The crowd favorite was Amadeo Fusca, who wore a New York Knicks jersey under a suit and sported a haircut and facial hair similar to Mamdani’s. He took home the $100 prize after winning the loudest applause.
Mamdani, a democratic socialist who took office in January, has built a large following on social media and among younger New Yorkers. His mayoral agenda has focused heavily on using city government to address the pressures facing working-class residents.
The contest, sponsored by the social media app Sonder, leaned heavily into Mamdani’s recognizable campaign style.
Several participants arrived in dark suits, patterned red-and-black ties, dress shoes and silver rings. One wore a brown suit resembling one Mamdani used during his 2025 campaign.
(Photo: Reuters/ Adam Gray)
Another contestant went in a very different direction, appearing shirtless under an apron in a nod to a rap music video Mamdani made in 2019.
The competition itself was simple.
Each participant was asked to name a favorite pizza, and the winner was determined entirely by the volume of applause from the crowd.
Zohran Mamdani look-alike contest
(Photo: Reuters/ Adam Gray)
Zohran Mamdani look-alike contest
(Photo: AP/ Heather Khalifa)
The event initially began inside Washington Square Park, but police told organizers and attendees they had to leave because they did not have a permit.
The group then moved just outside the park and continued the contest there.
It was not the first time New Yorkers had gathered to compare Mamdani doubles.
A similar look-alike contest was held in Brooklyn in 2025, while Mamdani was still campaigning for mayor.
Zohran Mamdani
(Photo: Angelina Katsanis/AP)