Actor Wins $100 at Mamdani Lookalike Contest After NYPD Boots Crowd From Park

Hundreds of people gathered near Washington Square Park in New York City on Sunday, August 30, 2026, to judge a lookalike contest for Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The event, organized by the social media app Sonder to celebrate its city launch, saw nine contestants compete for a $100 prize by mimicking the mayor's appearance and answering a single question about their favorite pizza. The winner, actor and comedian Amadeo Fusca, was chosen by crowd applause. Fusca wore a New York Knicks jersey under a suit and styled his hair and facial hair to match Mamdani's. He told reporters that preparing for the contest made him "sweat bullets," but he was ultimately pleased to participate. The other contestants offered their own interpretations of the mayor's style, including brown suits, patterned ties, and silver rings. One participant appeared shirtless under an apron, a reference to a 2019 rap video Mamdani produced before entering politics. The competition was initially held under the Washington Square Park arch but was cut short by New York Police Department officers.