In New York, Those Who Look Like Mamdani Competed for $100

In the United States, lookalikes of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani gathered in an unusual contest held on Sunday in Washington Square Park in Manhattan. The event drew hundreds of people to the area who wanted to watch contestants who imitate Mamdani's appearance and style.

Winner of the Contest Announced

The first-place finisher was 40‑year‑old actor and comedian Amadeo Fusca. Fusca entered the contest with a look resembling Mamdani's hair and beard style, and wore a New York Knicks jersey under his suit. Winning the crowd's approval, Fusca took home the $100 prize.

Prize Equivalent to 33 Bus Trips

The contest's $100 prize drew attention as it would cover 33 bus rides based on current fares in New York. The winner, speaking to ABC7 New York, said he sweated profusely in his outfit while preparing for the event.

Nine Contestants Took the Stage

At the event, a total of nine contestants tried to reflect Mamdani's style in various ways. Some used the brown suit and red‑black patterned ties that Mamdani favored in his 2025 election campaign, while others competed with dark‑colored suits, classic shoes, and silver rings.

A contestant made a reference to rap.

One of the contestants made a different choice from the others. The person who entered the competition wearing a lab coat with the top exposed made a reference to a rap‑music video that Mamdani produced in 2019. This choice became one of the most eye‑catching looks at the event.

The winner was decided by applause.

Contestants were asked only one question: Which pizza they liked best. The judging was carried out by the crowd's applause instead of a professional jury. Fusca, who received the most likes and applause, became the competition's winner.

Police moved the event outside the park.

Participants initially gathered inside Washington Square Park. However, police stated that the necessary permit for the event had not been obtained and ordered the crowd to leave the park. Consequently, the competition was moved to the area just outside the park, and the event continued there.

Fusca Imitates Mamdani

The competition's winner, Fusca, says that he had previously received comments from his circle for his resemblance to Mamdani and that over time he began to imitate the mayor. The actor and comedian, who lives in Manhattan, is also known for his performances on social media as the Mamdani character.

Mamdani Draws Interest from Young Voters

Since taking office in January 2026, Mamdani has reached a broad following among young people and social media users with his democratic‑socialist identity. At the center of his mayoral agenda is the redirection of government resources toward the needs of economically strained New Yorkers.

A Similar Competition Had Also Been Held in Brooklyn

The event that gathers Mamdani's likenesses was not a first‑time occurrence. In 2025, during Mamdani’s mayoral campaign, a similar contest was held in Brooklyn. The Washington Square Park event became one of the eye‑catching similarity contests staged after Mamdani assumed the mayor’s office.

Hundreds of People Attended the Event

The contest drew hundreds of people to gather around Washington Square Park. The social‑media app Sonder organized the event. The organization was carried out as part of the events Sonder arranged to promote its activities in New York.