In a delightful turn of events, George Gountas, a former lighting designer for "The Daily Show," has been crowned the winner of a Pedro Pascal look-alike contest held in New York City on Sunday, June 15th, 2025. The event, hosted by Son Del North, a Mexican restaurant on the Lower East Side, drew nearly thirty hopefuls, all vying for the coveted title and the grand prize: eternal bragging rights, $50, and a year's supply of burritos.
Gountas' journey to Pascal-esque glory was spurred by encouragement from his wife, Jenny Gania, who noted that friends and family had been pointing out the resemblance for years. According to Gania, the comparisons began when Pascal gained prominence in "Game of Thrones." She told the New York Post, "It started when 'Game of Thrones' came out the first time -- that's when we first heard it. Then some kids started noting it, too, so I was like, 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.'"
The contest, which took place on a rainy Sunday, was initially feared to be a flop, but the crowds showed up, eager for free burritos, t-shirts, and a glimpse of their favorite mustachioed celebrity, or at least, a very good imitation. The twenty-six contestants strutted their stuff on a makeshift podium in front of the restaurant, each doing their best to capture Pascal's charm, from his "Mandalorian" stoicism to his "Last of Us" grit. Some even brought their dogs or children to help sway the judges.
The judging panel narrowed the field to ten, then three, but once Gountas, contestant number five, took the stage, the crowd erupted into chants of "Pedro! Pedro!" It was clear that Gountas' resemblance to the "Materialists" star was undeniable. He ultimately beat out nearly 30 other contestants to take home the honors.
Son Del North's owner, Annisha Garcia, explained that the contest was inspired by a comment Pascal made in 2023, claiming there was no good Mexican food in New York City. "I'm, 'So sorry, but there's no Mexican, good Mexican food in New York?," Garcia explained. "And we were like, 'There is, and we are here.'" Wim Shih, co-owner of the restaurant, added that the event was also meant to inject a little joy into the world, stating, "There's just so much sadness in the world right now, and we wanted to be a bit of sunshine today amidst all that."
Gountas, who is not on social media, was surprised by his win. "I never imagined I would win something like this," he said. "It's just a fun way to celebrate Father's Day and connect with others who share a love for Pedro." His wife joked that he is "going to be everywhere" now.
The Pedro Pascal look-alike contest is part of a growing trend in New York City, where similar events have become popular ways for fans to connect with their favorite celebrities. In October 2024, Timothée Chalamet even crashed his own look-alike contest in Madison Square Park, much to the delight of participants and onlookers.
The event not only celebrated the likeness of the contestants to the star but also fostered a sense of community among fans. George Gountas' victory serves as a reminder that sometimes, a little bit of fun and a shared appreciation for a beloved actor can bring people together in the most unexpected and delightful ways. And who knows, maybe Pedro Pascal himself will make an appearance at the next one.
