Mr Gay World, the world’s longest-running pageant for gay men, is preparing for a historic transformation with its 17th edition set to take place in Quezon City, Philippines, on December 1, 2025.
For the first time in the competition’s history, the pageant is under Filipino ownership, ushering in a new era of leadership focused on structure, inclusivity, and meaningful advocacy.
The new CEO and President of Mr Gay World Wayne Renzo said the new beginning for the competition is personal.
“Honestly, it started out of frustration, I kept asking myself: how could a 16-year-old organisation with so much potential still feel so unorganised?” explained Renzo.
“That frustration fueled my decision to step in and take over, with a promise to do better.
“Under Filipino leadership, Mr Gay World will no longer just exist as an event — it will be rebuilt into a stronger, more purposeful platform.”
The decision to host the pageant in Quezon City underlines that mission.
“The Philippines takes pageantry to a whole different level. We are serious, passionate, and deeply invested in it. And Quezon City, in particular, was the natural choice.
“It is one of the leading cities in the country when it comes to championing LGBTQIA+ rights. For example, Quezon City was the first local government unit to pass a comprehensive anti-discrimination ordinance, it actively supports Pride Marches, and it has continuously provided programs for LGBTQIA+ welfare.
“By hosting Mr Gay World here, contestants and audiences can expect not just a competition but an experience that immerses them in a city that breathes advocacy and equality.
“They’ll feel the heartbeat of a community that has long fought for acceptance and celebration of diversity,” Renzo explained.
For Renzo, advocacy is at the heart of the event’s reinvention.
“I’m tired of pageants that make empty claims of advocacy,” Renzo claimed, “Too many competitions say they stand for something, but their impact ends when the spotlight turns off.
“For me, Mr Gay World 2025 must live and breathe its advocacy. Our focus is very clear: we are fighting for LGBTQIA+ rights, especially for gay men, and we are putting sexual health front and centre.”
While some parts of the legacy format will remain, changes are underway.
As Renzo put it: “Candidates will feel that they are truly in a competition. They won’t just be here for a holiday trip; they’ll be here to prove the strength of their advocacy, their beauty and their ability to lead.”
With fresh leadership, a passionate host city, and a renewed global purpose, Mr Gay World 2025 is set to redefine the pageant stage for a new generation.
Candidates from around the world will attend the 17th edition of Mr Gay World, taking place in Quezon City, Philippines, with the Grand Coronation Night scheduled for December 1, 2025.
For more details or to submit your country’s candidacy for the competition, please visit the official Mr Gay World Facebook page here.
Last Updated on Aug 27, 2025
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