Harry Styles Look-Alikes Crowned in New York City
Two winners were selected during a spirited competition held at the RiseNY attraction in Times Square.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Fashion
Live Poll
Do you believe events celebrating celebrity residencies are worth the potential disruption to your community?
Nicholas Kraft and Sean Mac were named the winners of a Harry Styles look-alike contest held Wednesday at RiseNY. The two men each earned tickets to a concert at Madison Square Garden.
Why it matters
The event was organized to commemorate the singer's 30-show residency at the iconic Manhattan venue. It brought fans together to celebrate the artist's influence on fashion and performance.
The competition featured 6 contestants and resulted in 2 winners, 25-year-old Nicholas Kraft and 35-year-old Sean Mac. Each winner received 2 tickets for the upcoming residency performance.
The players
Nicholas Kraft
He is a 25-year-old actor from Brooklyn who was named a co-winner of the look-alike contest.
Sean Mac
He is a 35-year-old professional Styles tribute performer based in Spain who tied for first place.
RiseNY
This is a Times Square attraction that served as the host venue for the competition.
Madison Square Garden
It is a world-renowned arena in New York City currently hosting a multi-show residency for the singer.
The details
Contestants modeled on a stage inspired by New York Fashion Week runways, showcasing charisma and fashion choices mirroring the singer's career. The judges evaluated participants based on their energy and overall resemblance to the musician.
Timeline
The look-alike contest took place at RiseNY on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
Winners attend the concert at Madison Square Garden on Friday, October 2, 2026.
A pop-up event in the West Village previously occurred in September 2026.
Culture Shift
This event reflects the growing trend of celebrity-themed experiential fan events in major retail hubs. It highlights how pop stars utilize localized engagement to deepen fan loyalty during extended city residencies.
The event brought heightened activity to the Times Square area for fans of the singer. Residents and tourists in New York City should be aware that city residencies often feature similar pop-up activations that may alter local foot traffic.
The takeaway
Engaging with localized fan contests can offer dedicated followers unique experiences beyond standard concert attendance. These events increasingly serve as essential marketing tools for artists maintaining long-term performance residencies.
Further reading
For more coverage on how pop culture influences regional trends, visit our Fashion section.
Live Poll
Do you believe events celebrating celebrity residencies are worth the potential disruption to your community?
