Suits, Aprons & Applause: NYC’s Hilarious Zohran Mamdani Look-Alike Contest Draws Crowds

A Street-Side Spectacle in Greenwich Village

Hundreds of New Yorkers gathered near Washington Square Park this past Sunday for a uniquely NYC spectacle: a Zohran Mamdani look-alike contest. Sponsored by the social media app Sonder, the event drew nine contestants eager to channel the city’s newly elected mayor.

Dressed to Impress (and Imitate)

The competition leaned heavily into Mamdani’s signature campaign aesthetic. Participants arrived in sharp dark suits, patterned red-and-black ties, polished dress shoes, and distinctive silver rings. One contestant even rocked a brown suit that closely mirrored the attire Mamdani sported during his 2025 mayoral run. But not everyone stuck to the formal look—one daring entrant went completely shirtless under a kitchen apron, paying homage to the mayor’s quirky 2019 rap music video.

How the Winner Was Crowned

Despite the elaborate costumes, the judging criteria were delightfully simple. Each participant was asked to name their favorite pizza order, and the crowd decided the champion based purely on the loudest applause. Taking home the $100 prize was Amadeo Fusca, whose New York Knicks jersey worn under a suit, combined with a matching haircut and facial hair, perfectly captured the mayor’s vibe.

From Park Perimeter to Brooklyn Roots

The event started inside the park but had to relocate just outside its gates after police informed organizers they lacked a public gathering permit. Undeterred, the crowd and contestants simply moved down the sidewalk and kept the party going. This isn’t the first time New Yorkers have celebrated Mamdani’s likeness—similar impersonation contests popped up across the city, including a notable one in Brooklyn back in 2025 while he was still campaigning.

Since taking office in January, the democratic socialist mayor has rapidly built a massive following among younger voters and social media users, largely thanks to his focus on affordable housing, rent relief, and supporting working-class families. Events like this look-alike contest highlight how deeply his political persona has resonated with the city’s grassroots culture.