Samuel Nwajaju, a 23-year-old Nigerian model and undergraduate at the University of Port Harcourt, has etched his name in history by becoming the first African to win the Mister International pageant.
His groundbreaking victory occurred at the 16th edition of the competition in Bangkok, Thailand, where he triumphed over 47 contestants from around the world.
The highest number of participants in the event’s history.
Nwajaju’s journey to this remarkable feat began in June when he won the prestigious Mister of Nigeria 2024 title at a grand event hosted at Lagos Oriental Hotel.
This victory paved the way for him to represent Nigeria on the global stage.
His performance was exceptional, earning him the Best Swimwear category award and ultimately the coveted Mister International title.
The Mister International pageant, established in 2006 by the late Alan Sim, has grown to become one of the world’s most celebrated male beauty contests, second only to Mister World.
The Singapore-based organization attracts participants from over 80 countries, with an average of 38 contestants each year.
This year’s edition was groundbreaking, as it marked the first time in the competition’s 16-year history that fathers, married, and divorced men were eligible to participate.
Nwajaju succeeded Kim Thitisan Goodburn of Thailand, who had held the title since the previous edition.
He outshone fierce competitors, including Vietnam’s Nguyễn Mạnh Lân, the first runner-up, and Indonesia’s Glenn Victor Sutanto, the second runner-up.
Though the Mister International competition does not explicitly disclose its cash prizes, winners gain immense recognition, opening doors to sponsorship deals, endorsements, and collaborations with global brands.
Beyond personal accolades, the titleholder embarks on a reign filled with opportunities to participate in charitable and promotional events worldwide.
The Mister International Organization plays a vital role in licensing local organizations to select contestants for their respective countries.
It also oversees the approval of national selection methods, ensuring a high standard of representation on the global stage.
Nwajaju’s victory is more than just a personal achievement; it is a source of pride for Africa, inspiring countless young men to dream beyond boundaries.
