Nigerian model Samuel Nwajagu etched his name in history this weekend by becoming the first African to win the prestigious Mister International title.
The 23-year-old, representing Nigeria, outshone contestants from across the globe to claim the coveted crown in the pageant’s 16th edition, held in Bangkok, Thailand. His historic victory marks a significant milestone for Nigeria and the African continent, further solidifying the region’s growing presence on the global pageantry stage.
This year’s Mister International pageant welcomed participants from 47 countries, including debutant nations like Cameroon, England, Benin Republic, and Mali. The competition, renowned as one of the world’s largest male beauty pageants—second only to Mister World—celebrated a diverse array of cultures, talents, and personalities.
Since its inception in 2006 by the late Alan Sim, the Singapore-based organization has expanded to feature contestants from over 80 countries, drawing an annual average of 38 participants and earning a reputation for fostering global camaraderie and representation.
The 2024 edition of the pageant included a series of activities designed to test the contestants’ versatility and charisma. Participants embarked on city tours and participated in preliminary events that showcased their physical fitness, cultural heritage, and formal elegance.
Beyond the aesthetics, contestants were evaluated through their responses to topical questions, offering them a platform to demonstrate their intelligence, awareness, and poise under pressure. This blend of challenges ensured the competition celebrated not just outer beauty but inner depth and charisma.
Samuel Nwajagu’s path to victory saw him triumph over top contenders Nguyễn Mạnh Lân of Vietnam and Glenn Victor Sutanto of Indonesia, who joined him as finalists in the competition’s closing stages.
His crowning moment was an emotional highlight, as Kim Thitisan Goodburn, the 2023 Mister International winner, officially passed on the title to his worthy successor. Nwajagu’s win is a testament to his dedication to excellence and his ability to inspire others, both within Nigeria and beyond.
This year’s Mister International pageant was groundbreaking in other ways, too. For the first time in its 16-year history, the organization opened the competition to fathers, married men, and divorced contestants, further emphasizing inclusivity and the evolving standards of modern male pageantry.
This change reflects a broader recognition of diverse life experiences, reinforcing that beauty and talent transcend conventional boundaries.
Hailing from Anambra State, Samuel Nwajagu is more than just a model; he is a passionate advocate for fashion, fitness, and wellness. His historic win not only amplifies his voice on the international stage but also paves the way for aspiring talents across Africa. With his dedication, charm, and resilience, Nwajagu has proven that African excellence has no limits, and his achievement will undoubtedly inspire future generations of Nigerian and African models to dream big and aim higher.
