A Pedro Pascal look-alike contest in New York City made headlines on Sunday, June 15, 2025, as Son Del North restaurant celebrated its anniversary by hosting the event, ultimately crowning a surprising winner among dozens of hopefuls. Bringing together fans and doppelgängers at a local Mexican eatery, the Pedro Pascal look-alike contest New York City winner quickly became a trending topic, highlighting both the actor’s rise and the city’s festive spirit.
Pedro Pascal’s Popularity Inspires a Unique Competition
Pedro Pascal’s rise to fame began with his acclaimed appearance in Game of Thrones and continued with prominent roles in Narcos, The Mandalorian, and The Last of Us. His growing celebrity led to a dedicated following, inspiring many to imitate or celebrate his unique look and charisma.
In the wake of the actor’s remarks about Mexican food in the city, Son Del North—a local Mexican restaurant—decided to respond with community flair. Marking its first anniversary, the restaurant staged a Pedro Pascal look-alike contest, attracting attention from local residents and major media outlets, including The Independent.
How the Event Unfolded Despite the Weather
Organizing the contest involved more creativity than elaborate planning, as founder Annisha Garcia recalled to reporters.
“We just did a little Canva thing, and then we posted, and yeah, that was it,”
—Annisha Garcia, restaurant chef and founder
Rain threatened to disrupt the festivities and lower turnout, leaving organizers unsure if anyone would brave the weather for a chance at the title.
“We were sad because it was raining, and we were like, ‘No one is gonna come,’”
—Annisha Garcia, restaurant chef and founder
“Then people started showing up and we were like ‘Oh my god!’”
—Annisha Garcia, restaurant chef and founder
The rules were straightforward: the winner would be awarded a $50 cash prize and a full year of free burritos. Those finishing in second and third place received $50 and $25 gift cards, while the top ten finalists earned complimentary bean and cheese burritos.
A New Winner Emerges as Look-Alikes Compete
After rounds of judging, George Gountas—competing under the nickname Pedro No. 5—emerged victorious out of over thirty participants. Gountas, whose peers at The Daily Show had long teased him about his resemblance to Pedro Pascal, credited his co-workers for encouraging him to join the contest. Their instincts proved correct as he secured first place.
Social media platforms captured the moment, with Pedro Pascal himself appearing to acknowledge Gountas’s win on Instagram, reacting with several thankful emojis.
The Winner’s Reflections on Being a Doppelgänger
In his first interview following the win, George Gountas shared how long he’s been compared to the actor. With The Hollywood Reporter, Gountas recounted his experience dating back to Pascal’s Game of Thrones days.
“It started back when Pedro was on Game of Thrones. He was Red Viper, a very beloved character. They killed off a lot of those in very startling fashion,”
—George Gountas, contest winner
Gountas’s family has also been drawn into the phenomenon, with vivid reactions at home when Pascal’s on-screen fate took a dramatic turn.
“My wife was so freaked out when he got killed,”
—George Gountas, contest winner
“She’s like, ‘I can’t watch this. I feel like the guy is crushing your head.’”
—George Gountas, contest winner
The likeness has led to curious responses from the wider community as well, especially among his daughter’s classmates, who would often draw light-hearted comparisons between Gountas and various celebrities.
“I look more like him than I look like my own brother,”
—George Gountas, contest winner
The Impact of the Contest and What Lies Ahead
This Pedro Pascal look-alike contest marks yet another sign of the actor’s wide-reaching influence and pop culture status. With George Gountas now holding the title of best Pedro Pascal doppelgänger in New York City, it’s clear that such events not only celebrate celebrity fandom but also bring local communities together in creative ways.
As for fans wanting to see more of the real Pedro Pascal, he can be watched in the second season of HBO’s The Last of Us, now streaming on HBO Max. Meanwhile, the success of this contest may well inspire similar gatherings in other cities or for other beloved celebrities, continuing a tradition of admiration and friendly competition.
