Pedro Pascal lookalike contest winner George Gountas earns $50 and year’s worth of burritos in NYC

George Gountas was crowned the winner in the NYC contest held by a Mexican restaurant for their anniversary.

A Pedro Pascal lookalike contest stopped traffic on Orchard Street in New York City as Son Del North celebrated its first anniversary with a packed crowd and 26 hopeful contestants. Despite heavy rain, fans gathered for free burritos, T-shirts, and a chance to win the title of best Pedro.

Photo: NY Post

The contest offered a $50 cash prize and free burritos for a year to the winner, with second and third places receiving gift cards. The top ten finalists were awarded free bean and cheese burritos. The crowd stayed energised despite the weather, chanting for their favourites and turning a quiet Sunday into a viral spectacle.

George Gountas, a lighting technician from The Daily Show, was crowned winner after a final round of judging narrowed the field to three. With no social media presence, Gountas said he was urged to enter after constant comparisons to Pascal by colleagues. “I’ve been told I don’t exist, but now I guess I do because I’m the Pedro Pascal lookalike winner,” he said.

Photo: The Independent

Event organiser and chef Annisha Garcia noted that what began as a simple Canva post quickly turned into a viral attraction. “We were sad because it was raining, and we were like, ‘No one is gonna come,’” she said. “Then people started showing up and we were like ‘Oh my god!’”

Some contestants joined on dares from friends or partners. One, Kelly Doule, admitted: “My girlfriend believes I look like Pedro Pascal… it’s kind of like a bet.”

The contest follows a trend of celebrity-themed events, popularised by the Timothée Chalamet lookalike contest. With burritos, fanfare, and spontaneous community energy, the celebration marked another hit for the local favourite.