Nigeria’s Samuel Nwajagu made history on Saturday, December 14th, by becoming the first African to win the Mister International title. The 23-year-old software engineer and model, who holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Port Harcourt, bested 46 other contestants in Bangkok, Thailand.
Entertainment Digest reports that Nwajagu, a 6’3″ athlete with striking features, also claimed the Best in Swimwear award. He succeeds Thailand’s Kim Goodburn as the reigning Mister International.
Nguyễn Mạnh Lân of Vietnam and Glenn Victor Sutanto of Indonesia secured the first and second runner-up positions, respectively. Rounding out the Top 6 were Anthony Henricus of the Netherlands, Rafael Dominguez of Spain, and Justine Ong of the Philippines.
The Top 10 also included contestants from Mexico, Italy, Korea, Ecuador, and China.
This year’s competition, the 16th edition of the Mister International pageant, saw a record 47 contestants vying for the crown. Nwajagu’s victory marks a significant milestone for Nigeria and African representation in the male modeling world.
A Journey of Excellence
Hailing from Anambra State, Nwajagu’s passion for modeling blossomed during his time at the University of Port Harcourt. He participated in numerous local contests, gradually gaining recognition within the Nigerian modeling scene.
His journey culminated in his victory at Misters of Nigeria 2024 on June 16th at the Lagos Oriental Hotel. He then embarked on rigorous training, focusing on fitness, public speaking, and cultural awareness to prepare for the international stage.
A Triumphant Performance
At the Mister International pageant in Thailand, Nwajagu showcased his charisma and talent. His impressive performance in the swimsuit round earned him the Best in Swimwear award. During the final interview, he demonstrated exceptional articulation and a keen interest in contributing meaningful ideas to the world of beauty pageantry.
Breaking Barriers
Nwajagu’s victory challenges traditional perceptions of male beauty and reinforces the increasing diversity and inclusivity within the modeling industry. His success serves as an inspiration to aspiring models across Africa, demonstrating that talent, hard work, and dedication can break down barriers and achieve global recognition.
This historic win comes amidst a period of mixed narratives surrounding Nigeria, with figures like Davido and Kemi Badenoch facing criticism for making negative comments on their country of origin. Nwajagu’s triumph provides a moment of national pride for Nigerians and serves as a testament to the country’s rich talent pool.
SOURCE: ENTERTAINMENT DIGEST
