New York City's Washington Square Park hosted a Zohran Mamdani lookalike competition on Sunday, where part-time actor Amadeo Fusca was crowned the winner. Fusca, a New York resident, beat out several contenders who sported the mayor's signature hair and smile.
The contest, which saw participants vying for a $100 prize, marked the first time such an event was held since Mamdani became mayor. A similar lookalike contest took place in 2025 before Mamdani secured the Democratic primary.
Fusca, who has a history of impersonating Mamdani in his acting and comedic work, emphasized that embodying the mayor requires more than just physical resemblance. "It's all about the persona," Fusca told the Daily Mail. "Mamdani loves attention, so to be able to portray that effortlessly takes more than just being a lookalike."
Fusca's acting credits include appearances in "NCIS," "That Damn Michael Che," Marvel's "Daredevil," "Boardwalk Empire," and "Mayor of Kingstown." His experience performing stunts and bits as Mamdani made the competition feel familiar.
Beyond his impersonation skills, Fusca expressed admiration for Mamdani's policies, citing the mayor's efforts in lowering rents and making childcare more affordable. He suggested that Mamdani's focus on tangible, everyday issues has fostered a more hopeful atmosphere in the city. Onlookers at the event also pointed to the administration's attention to daily concerns, such as potholes and scaffolding, as contributing factors to Mamdani's popularity.
While competitors focused on either physical likeness or capturing Mamdani's mannerisms and cadence, Fusca demonstrated mastery of both. He received $100 for his victory, while the runner-up received $50.
When asked about his plans for the prize money, Fusca revealed a more personal agenda. "A good lunch and some sports gambling!" he declared, deviating from any policy-driven announcements. Unlike the real mayor, Fusca's winnings were destined for a top-tier lunch reservation and wagers rather than civic initiatives.
