A Jalen Brunson lookalike contest is happening in Washington Square Park tonight—the grand prize is $5K

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Brianna Perry

 –  Staff Writer

 ·  June 17, 2026

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New Yorkers have spent the past few months doing three things: watching the Knicks, talking about the Knicks, and finding ways to bring Jalen Brunson into every single conversation. So it was only a matter of time before someone decided to gather every vaguely Jalen Brunson-looking person in one place.

Tonight, Wednesday, June 17th, Washington Square Park will host a Jalen Brunson Lookalike Contest, where one lucky Brunson doppelgänger will take home $5,000 cash–which is less “buy yourself a nice dinner” money and more “pay your rent and still have enough left over for post-playoff celebration beers” money.

A Partiful invitation reads:

I want to pay your rent.!! You have a chance to win 5k because the Knicks won in 5 games.

The instructions are simple: pull up if you look like Captain Clutch.

Interpret that how you will. Got the beard? The stare? The undeniable aura of a 2026 NBA Finals MVP? Do strangers stop you and ask, “Wait…are you…” even though you absolutely are not? All the above?

If so, this is your moment–and it may just be the easiest $5,000 you’ll ever make.

We already know the energy is going to be completely unhinged—in the best possible way. This is the same city that packed Seventh Avenue for championship celebrations, turned “GO NEW YORK GO NEW YORK GOOO” into the soundtrack of the summer, and collectively decided Jalen Brunson can do no wrong.

Besides, we’re sure that somewhere in New York City right now, there’s a guy looking in the mirror thinking, “Yeah, that’s basically Jalen Brunson.” And honestly? After the Knicks’ championship run, who’s stopping them?

The city has spent months treating Brunson like royalty, so gathering a crowd of his lookalikes in Washington Square Park feels less like a random event and more like the natural next chapter of Knicks fever.

The only thing that could make it more chaotic is if the real Brunson showed up himself (remember that time Timmy did?!)

So whether you’re competing, judging silently, or simply pulling up to admire the view (we’ve got no shame in our game), mark it on your calendar: tonight, June 17th, 6 pm (and RSVP here!). May the best Brunson win! 🏀

And with that, all we have left to say is: GO NEW YORK GO NEW YORK GOOO!!! 💙🧡