George Gountas, a Brooklyn resident, claimed victory as the Pedro Pascal lookalike contest winner in NYC on Father’s Day. The competition, hosted at Son Del North’s restaurant in the Lower East Side, saw Gountas take home a $50 prize and a year of free burritos after surpassing nearly 30 other participants.
Pedro Pascal Lookalike Showdown Brings Crowds to the Lower East Side
Sunday’s event channeled a fun, “daddy” state of mind as contestants aimed to embody the Emmy-nominated star. Excited fans arrived waving Grogu dolls and custom signs, filling Son Del North with an enthusiastic atmosphere. The contest became a highlight for families celebrating the holiday, drawing a broad spectrum of individuals eager for the coveted title.
Gountas was brought to compete by his family, and it quickly became clear to spectators and judges that his resemblance to Pedro Pascal stood out. His wife, Jenny Gania, shared that friends and strangers alike had noticed the similarity, especially after Pascal’s role as Oberyn Martell on Game of Thrones. The resemblance didn’t go unnoticed by children, either, who recognized him for looking like the star from The Last of Us and The Mandalorian.
When we saw this [contest], I was like, ‘It’s Father’s Day. You have to go. It’s going to be your Father’s Day treat,’
—Jenny Gania, Wife
It’s funny because he’s not on social media at all. But now he’s going to be everywhere.
—Jenny Gania, Wife
Celebrating Wins and Friendly Competition
Beyond his striking similarity to the actor, George Gountas is no stranger to the world of entertainment. He works professionally as a lighting director and has contributed to major productions like The Daily Show, according to Deadline. His expertise also extends to lighting design for televised comedy specials, collaborating with talents such as Trevor Noah, Ramy Youssef, Pete Davidson, and Chris Rock.
The Inspiration Behind the Lookalike Contest
Chef and co-owner Annisha Garcia, who created the competition, was inspired by Pedro Pascal’s 2023 remarks on Hot Ones, where he commented on the lack of good Mexican food in New York. Responding to this, Garcia organized the festive contest:
I’m [like], ‘So sorry, but there’s no Mexican, good Mexican food in New York?’
—Annisha Garcia, Chef and Co-Owner
And we were like, ‘There is, and we are here.’
—Annisha Garcia, Chef and Co-Owner
The contest is part of a growing trend in the city, with previous lookalike events celebrating celebrities like Timothée Chalamet, which even saw the actor himself attend last year. Such events have sparked international interest, inspiring versions centered on Glen Powell, Drake, Jeremy Allen White, Paul Mescal, Harry Styles, and Dev Patel around the globe.
Lookalike Competitions Grow in Popularity
Some contests, like the one featuring Timothée Chalamet in Washington Square Park, have grown beyond novelty. Chalamet involved several doppelgängers in a Saturday Night Live sketch, embracing the fun alongside his fans. Similarly, Glen Powell awarded a cameo in his next movie to the winner Max Braunstein, showcasing how these contests can open new doors for participants.
The success stories continue, as Braunstein and Chalamet’s lookalike contest winner Miles Mitchell both received invitations to the 2025 Golden Globes, elevating the stakes and opportunities for contestants across all such events.
Impact and What Comes Next
The buzz from the Pedro Pascal lookalike contest winner in NYC reinforces New York’s place as a hub for celebrity-inspired culture and creative community gatherings. The recognition for George Gountas not only celebrates his uncanny resemblance but also highlights the vibrant intersection of fandom, food, and entertainment in the city. As similar competitions catch on globally and even lead to high-profile opportunities, the trend is set to thrive, shining a spotlight on everyday lookalikes and their celebrity counterparts.
