5 Reasons Why The Pedro Pascal Lookalike Contest In NYC Went Viral (And Who Won The Burritos)

The internet is still buzzing about the phenomenon of the Pedro Pascal lookalike contest that took New York City by storm, cementing its place as one of the most delightfully bizarre and wholesome viral events of the year. As of this December 2025 update, the story of the Brooklyn dad who was crowned the ultimate "Pedro No. 5" continues to circulate, proving that the collective love for the Chilean-American actor transcends his major roles in blockbusters like *The Last of Us* and *The Mandalorian*. This event wasn't just a quirky gathering; it was a cultural moment that perfectly captured the internet's current obsession with the universally beloved star.

The contest, held at a cozy Lower East Side eatery, drew an unexpected crowd of doppelgängers, fans, and media, all eager to witness who would claim the coveted title—and the truly unique grand prize. What started as a whimsical idea, sparked by a casual comment from the actor himself, quickly spiraled into a full-blown New York City spectacle, generating massive buzz across social media platforms like TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.

Meet the Winner: George Gountas, the Ultimate Pedro Doppelgänger

The man who successfully channeled the charm, rugged good looks, and undeniable "daddy" energy of Pedro Pascal was none other than George Gountas. Gountas, a Brooklyn-based father and a crew member for *The Daily Show*, became an overnight sensation after his victory.

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Here is a brief biographical profile of the contest winner:

• Name: George Gountas
• Known As: "Pedro No. 5" during the contest
• Hometown: Brooklyn, New York City
• Occupation: Crew member (*Daily Show* lighting designer)
• Viral Moment: Winning the inaugural Pedro Pascal Lookalike Contest in NYC.
• Prize: A year's worth of free burritos and $50 in cash.
• Current Status: Internet celebrity and local hero, frequently appearing in follow-up media coverage.

Gountas’s resemblance was deemed the most uncanny by the judges, capturing the actor's characteristic warm smile and expressive eyes. His win was a feel-good story that perfectly aligned with the event's timing, held on a recent Father's Day, making the "Internet's Daddy" theme even more fitting.

The Inspiration: Why Did the Contest Even Happen?

The entire, glorious event was born from a moment of casual celebrity banter that the internet—and one ambitious restaurant owner—refused to let go of. The catalyst was Pedro Pascal’s now-infamous 2023 appearance on the popular YouTube interview series, *Hot Ones*.

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The *Hot Ones* Challenge and The Denial

During his appearance on *Hot Ones*, where celebrities are interviewed while eating increasingly spicy chicken wings, Pascal made a seemingly offhand comment. He stated, with a hint of playful arrogance, that he didn't believe there was anyone who truly looked like him.

• The Claim: "There’s no one who looks like me."
• The Context: A lighthearted moment during the high-pressure *Hot Ones* interview.
• The Reaction: The internet took this as a direct challenge, and the seeds of the lookalike contest were sown.

Annisha Garcia, the chef and co-owner of Son del North, a Mexican restaurant on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, decided to call Pascal’s bluff. She organized the contest to prove that not only were there people who looked like him, but they were right here in New York City, ready to compete for a year's supply of delicious Mexican food. The event was a brilliant piece of spontaneous, organic marketing and a testament to the power of a celebrity's viral soundbite.

The Viral Sensation: 5 Reasons the Contest Was a Cultural Hit

The Pedro Pascal Lookalike Contest wasn't just a local event; it became a global sensation. Its success can be attributed to several key factors that tap into current internet culture and the actor's widespread appeal.

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1. The Universal "Internet Daddy" Appeal

Pedro Pascal has achieved a rare status as a universally beloved celebrity. Thanks to his roles as the protective, rugged Joel Miller in HBO's *The Last of Us* and the stoic, caring Din Djarin in Disney+'s *The Mandalorian*, he has been affectionately dubbed the "Internet's Daddy." This widespread, non-threatening adoration created a massive, ready-made audience for any event celebrating his likeness. The contest was a chance for fans to participate in the meme.

2. The Perfect NYC Location

The event was held at Son del North, a small, authentic Mexican restaurant in the Lower East Side (LES). This intimate, non-corporate setting gave the contest an immediate, genuine, and quirky New York feel. It wasn't a PR stunt by a major studio; it was a grassroots community event, which makes for better viral content. The image of a crowded, bustling LES street corner filled with "Pedros" was instantly shareable.

3. The Hilarious and Relatable Prize

The grand prize was arguably the best part of the entire event: a year's worth of free burritos. In a city where a single burrito can cost upwards of $15, this was a genuinely valuable and incredibly funny prize that perfectly suited the casual vibe of the contest. The $50 cash prize was just icing on the cake, which winner George Gountas used to buy his family ice cream. This unpretentious reward added to the contest's charm and relatability.

4. The Unconventional Contestants

The contestants themselves were a major draw. The group was diverse in age, style, and level of resemblance, ranging from men who looked remarkably similar to others who simply embodied the "Pedro Pascal vibe"—a mix of scruffy beard, a denim jacket, and a world-weary but kind expression. This variety made the judging process more entertaining and showcased the different facets of the actor's appeal, from the *Narcos* look to the *Last of Us* aesthetic. The winner, a working dad, was the perfect underdog story.

5. The Media and Social Media Hype

The event was covered by major news outlets and quickly became a trending topic on social media. The sheer visual spectacle of 25 "Pedros" gathered in one place was tailor-made for viral photos and videos. The contest's organizers were savvy enough to lean into the fun, branding the contestants with numbers (like "Pedro No. 5"), which created instant, memorable characters for the public to root for. This organic media frenzy ensured the story reached millions far beyond Manhattan.

The Legacy of the Celebrity Doppelgänger Contest

The success of the Pedro Pascal event has added to the growing trend of celebrity lookalike contests, following in the footsteps of similar viral gatherings for stars like Timothée Chalamet. These events are a unique reflection of modern celebrity culture, where a star's persona—not just their work—becomes a source of collective, playful obsession.

For George Gountas, the victory was more than a year of free burritos; it was a moment of unexpected internet stardom. For Son del North, it was an unprecedented boost in publicity. And for fans of Pedro Pascal, it was a confirmation that the love for the "Internet's Daddy" is real, palpable, and occasionally, delicious. The next time a celebrity makes a bold claim, New York City will be ready with a contest and a crowd of enthusiastic doppelgängers.