Mister Global 2021 Contestants Dress In Their National Costumes And Look Like Video Game Bosses (30 Pics)
Interview With AuthorBeauty pageants are contests that focus on judging and ranking people on their physical attributes. Controversial events that folks either find empowering or objectifying. Whatever your opinion is, we can all agree on one thing – the shows are always pretty stunning.
The competitions came to be around the 19th century, with the first-ever Miss America contest being held in 1921. Nowadays, such events are not as popular as they might've been before – however, some organizations do stand out.
Despite the fact that beauty pageants are mostly focused on women, nowadays, many organizations host contests solely for men. For instance, Mister Global – a competition that has been taking place in Thailand for nearly 8 years – has once again amazed folks with their national costume competition.
More info: Mister Global
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Vietnam
I can already see all the tantrums if men commented on women pics in a similar fashion...
Load More Replies...I think the costume was inspired from Lac Long Quan - a dragon king who ruled the seas. Vietnamese have a fanciful creation myth about their origins. As the story goes, the Vietnamese are descendants of a dragon king and a fairy queen. The dragon genes came from Lac Long Quan, the 2nd king of Vietnam who ruled around 2800 B.C., while the fairy genes were provided by his wife, Au Co. https://vietnamtimes.org.vn/vietnam-honors-its-royal-ancestors-40423.html
Southeastern Asian nations have fascinating history and mythology. Hollywood should try filming one of these instead of chewing European stories on and on…
Load More Replies...We are fine. This guy looks different from most of us, btw :))
Load More Replies...The trousers/pants are just for politeness. This costume is based on the legend of the Vietnamese mythical dragon king Lạc Long Quân who supposedly lived thousands of years ago, so accurately the contestant should be wearing a loincloth instead (bare legs and thighs and all). But as representation, the costume is very beautiful.
Load More Replies...BP got a hold of Mister Global, and asked them to reveal more about the competition: "the national costume competition is a major highlight of the contest. There are a lot of pageants and people from around the world waiting for this, as it's one of the most exciting sections. We can see and learn about fashion culture from different countries through a national costume, designed and presented through a contestant that represents their country. Besides, we have a very talented photographer, David Ryo, who makes the national costume portraits more interesting."
Nigeria
This is the most beautiful costume/man combo ive ever seen!
Load More Replies...Amazing. Repping Nigeria. The eagle on the Nigerian coat of arms stands for the strength of her people. His pose also depicts that. Beautiful.
Moreover, Bored Panda has managed to reach out to Pradit Pradinunt, the CEO of Mister Global, and asked him to tell us more about the contest: "the first Mister Global pageant was initially held in Pak Chong city, as a publicity event. The pageant gained fame and since then has been held in fascinating places around Thailand, developing into a leading international male pageant. Throughout the webcast, contestants are judged in four categories: fashion wear, swimwear, evening wear and interview."
Ecuador
It's a jaguar. The main god of all ancient Indians. in Ecuador the lion never lived.
Load More Replies...This is why I love to travel! Learning about other cultures is about the most obsessive thing I do
Indonesia
If you offer him pheasant, he'd rather have grouse.
Load More Replies...Pradinunt then added: "the men who participate in the Mister Global system, yearly inspire others to make an impact on social causes. The Mister Global pageant provides the winner and contestants with a global platform through committed partnerships with companies, sponsors and brands. During his reign, the winner is given the tools to personally and professionally enhance others by providing charitable efforts to affect positive change, all while increasing awareness of environmental causes. Mister Global pageant has become a grand slam male pageant on its 3rd edition. It is a fast growing pageant and one of the most awaited events of the year".
Korea
Very handsome, with a subtle and understated strength to it. I love the contrast of the fabrics chosen.
I love that one contestant had the nerve to go against the grain, and actually wear national dress! That doesn't mean I mind that all the others are wearing ab-baring extravaganzas, of course.
Load More Replies...Always loved those big hats I see in Korean shows set way back when!
Load More Replies...Bolivia
We're just getting started! You can't get overwhelmed now!
Load More Replies...Hard to choose a favorite between Mr. Ecuador and Mr. Bolivia. Let's let their headdresses fight it out!
Those eyes just follow you everywhere, don't they? Oh, look, the costume has eyes too ;-)
BP also asked the man to describe what is it like being the president of Mister Global, to which he said: "as the leader of the Mister Global Organization It has been a challenging and not an easy job since our founding in 2014. We have been in contact with national directors and contestants from around the world. There are differences in language, culture and time. In addition, we must take these matters into consideration when organizing a pageant. Diversity really matters. And the contest itself must be an event that adds value to society around the world and inspires the new generation. And we as an organization learn more from contestants too".
Thailand
I actually really love this one. I wonder if his outfit is suppose to represent the famous Golden Buddha statute.
He is dressed as a naga, a mythical serpent. Gold is a very popular color in Thailand. No one from any Buddhist nation would ever consider dressing as the Buddha, as this would be incredibly disrespectful (same as it would to dress as the Pope or Jesus or any other major religious figure).
Load More Replies...So extra and I’m so here for it. Go gold or go home boi I’d love to know the story behind this one
Hong Kong
This is mockery of Hong Kong..... if you take it.. it should be like Bruce Lee
Gawd that’s art. The umbrella thingy (sorry) mmmm perfect. The boots *chefs kiss* yes queen, the abs, can I lick them
Philippines
I have comments, but no words. These men (& this man) are beautiful.
I'm loving seeing men doing this! You show what you've got, gentlemen.
For folks who aren't that familiar with beauty pageants and Mister Global in general, Pradit Pradinunt said: "to make it easier to understand, we are like other beauty pageants – Miss Universe or Miss World, but in male version. We have an activity during the pageant where contestants spend some time together, learning news and promoting the host city's tourism and charitable awareness. Preliminary interviews, swimwear competition, national costume and evening wear competitions which are entertaining and exciting. But we are not only an 'entertaining event', we are doing something that can inspire people around the world, especially the younger generation".
Mexico
My husband is Hispanic. Gonna show him this and see if he'll wear something like it lol
I like his traditional attire however I'm a bit confused on the choice of colors.
in Mexico that shade of pink is known as "Rosa mexicano" (Mexican Pink) and the blue is typical of many outfits, maybe only the purple shade is the one that kinda came out of nowhere
Load More Replies...Mexico always goes hard on their national costumes, and I absolutely love it
Cambodia
Czech Republic
There is always some pivo when Czechs are involved, don't you worry. And as for the párek... ehm... I'm thinking about some cheap, lewd jokes but I'm not going to make them. 😅
Load More Replies...Lastly, the CEO gave a piece of advise to those who'd like to participate in male beauty pageants: "I would like to invite all of the people from around the world to open their minds and look at the male pageant in a different way. Male pageant is not just sexy men competing but something more than that. Also who wants to compete? This is not just competing, it's activities full of fun, friendship and once in a lifetime experience where you may be the one who can inspire people to come forward to do something different, and maybe even change the world."
Sri Lanka
Laos
I was just thinking that 😍 what a beautiful human
Load More Replies...United Kingdom
I love all the colorful vibrant outfits and then you get the UK. Still nice though.
Going celtic would sute the more costume-y vibe.
Load More Replies...That suit doesn't seem to fit him very well, neither does his shirt.
UK is a. cold and b. cosmopolitan so many different races here we don't have national traditional costumes
India
It's not india. India got number of mix cultures so accordingly each culture has their own attires. This guy looks like a North Indian groom.
So elegant, luxurious but understated! I love traditional Indian menswear! But aren't all those layers of silk too hot for the climate?
I am from India 🇮🇳. This looks like groom's attire on wedding day
Load More Replies...Peru
😂 it actually is hot in Peru right now. LOL!
Load More Replies...Is it just me or does the bottom looks like pixels trying to cover up
I like it. He looks meditative, regal and ready to lead a battle.
Load More Replies...Cuba
I am not saying it is a bad look by any means, he pulls it off well, it is just in comparison to the other offerings? 1/10 for effort.
The shirt and hat are quintessential Cuban. His is just less costumes and a more realistic representation of what people wear now. Same for the UK.
Load More Replies...My Cuban husband, is the first one in his immediate family born in America. As soon as I saw this ensemble, I knew this exceptional looking gentleman, was Cuban. Anyone who knows anything about the beautiful Cuban culture, would know this man IS decked out to the 9s according to their culture.
That material is linen so they are suppose to have that wrinkled look to it. They are very breathable, comfy and light on you. Love linen summer dresses! So comfy and airy!
Load More Replies...I like this one. Laid back, tropical, suave. Makes you want to be there.
Malaysia
What's with the shoes? They don't match and are too big. Did he forget to put on the correct shoes?
Yup, the shoe is wrong. Traditional shoes worn are Chapal. Here's how it looks. https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2021/05/06/chapal-back-in-vogue-due-to-retro-appeal
Load More Replies...Myanmar
This is my favourite so far! 😍 Looks relaxed, practical attire in a humid climate, upbeat colors, but dignified cut (and not those silly and childish Bart Simpson style t-shirts and shorts I have to see here in Germany when men -rightfully! - try to escape the black/grey/blue nightmare of "serious" wardrobe choices. More skirts for men!!!
What a f*****g angel, I hate him 😍 Myanmar….My,uh,man….lmao sorry
Not to be disredpectful, and I think he's beautiful, but he is totally cross-dressing! Skirt, pearl necklace, hair bun, cute cats' ears headpiece, flower coursage... are women and femininity simply not as disrespected in Myanmar as in most other countries? Could it be true..
Dominican Republic
Tbh, if he were Gaston, she'd probably have said, "yes".
Load More Replies...Sorry looked at the costume and thought, wow. Then I looked again and thought .. why is he dressed like what Napoleon thought he looked like? *S*
Uhm, not that I was looking for it, but... are his bits tucked away or just positioned REALLY high up.
Romania
I was wondering which region is this from, as different regions have different costumes.
Load More Replies...Panama
Look, I'll let the Cuban guy get away with the wrinkled pants, it fits the fabric (linen), but this looks like silk and needs to be smoooooth!
Switzerland
Swiss here. That here looks more like Bavaria in Southern Germany, not any Swiss "Tracht". If you go for leather pants, make them at least yellow (Appenzeller Tracht). Else most traditional clothing for men in Switzerland consists of dark wool pants.
Ummm the land of neutrality needs help finishing getting dressed 😉 😝 or not, actually.
If he needs help getting undressed I’m all over it! 😜
Load More Replies...Total life of the party. Being that I am German, I have to admit, this guy is by far my favorite. He's the most fun. The easiest going. He's adorable, and has a great sense of humor. Probably a great romp in bed too. And he knows how to brew a damn good beer. The best beer. And pastries. Nobody does pastries better than Austria.
Sieht halt eher bayrisch aus als alles andere aber der Rest ist genial xD
Load More Replies...Spain
Why is everyone jumping all over the Spanish guy for wearing an "out there" outfit when most of the Latin American and Southeast Asian contestants are wearing clearly religious/royal garb and not what "everyday people" would wear? You think your average Aztec citizen was running around with a five-foot diameter headdress, a train, and a shield? Probably not
Love this. I presume it was for royalty or the rich. I don't imagine they all walked around like this but still gorgeous
Wins the talent portion by singing I am Henry the 8th I am (you know you sang that in your head) But the attention to detail is exquisite.
South Africa
Ok, this just kinda looks like something you'd see at a pride parade though ngl
Most have a native and cultural background, but there are just a few I struggle with understanding, although it could be bc of my own ignorance! This is one I don't understand the cultural relevancy of, but I'm always open to being educated!
Load More Replies...This is by no means close to anything traditional for us... wtf was this designer thinking? Closest I guess could be if they're trying to resemble a King Protea but its a streeeeetch. Rather put him in two tone Khakis as its more traditional for caucasian South Africans if they were afraid of appropriating the black South African culture.
LOL! I know right; yoh, I straight up choked on my rooibos.
Load More Replies...everybody calm down, there's an explanation! "In the words of South African President Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa: " Gender-based violence is a male problem. So men need to step up and fight South Africa's shameful scourge."... I often times speak about gender-based violence and femicide, and as I have previously said, it is not all men, but all women. All women has at some point been scared, intimidated or threatened. All women knows someone or knows of someone who has been affected by GBV. And sadly has been a victim themselves. ... My national costume represents the King Protea, South Africa's national flower. Embracing both the feminine and masculine. I want to encourage all men to be better and do better and empower all women by providing them with a place they are safe and free to live the life of their dreams. At the end of the day a king can't be a king without the strength of his queen. "
I love the message but... Surely there would have been better ways of conveying it.
Load More Replies...What the f**k is this? 😅 great fairy costume, but it's in no way South African.
I like it. Immediately thought of the Protea. The crown and hints of green are lovely.
Japan
Japan is full of culture, I am little disappointed by this Miami Beach outfit
He would traditionally be wearing a hakama...
Load More Replies...Brazil
Omg! This is a reference to Northeast of Brasil, my homeland! I just loved it !
Venezuela
No disrespect, but is this the BEST they could come up with? Him and Mr. Cuba are so boring.
Looks cool! I like the flag. Very simple yet detailed; not sure HOW to put it.
Puerto Rico
Out of all the beauty of their culture, this is what they came up with? Come on.
It is representative of the workers in sugar cane. Hard to represent everyone.
Load More Replies...After reading the comments, I'm thinking this isn't a representation of Puerto Rico, but damn he wears this well!😍
France
You don't dress like that every day to get your baguette?? :D
Load More Replies...Well, I see your comments and let me tell you this : I'm French and I wear this every morning to go to work by bus. And absolutely no-one stares at me because everyone wears the same outfit, of course! 🙄
Ahah! Bah ouais, c'est sur que c'est tellement ressemblant... La plupart d'entre nous a déjà du mal à porter une pointe de couleur... Tu m'as bien fait rire! Maintenant j'imagine l'heure de pointe dans le metro xD
Load More Replies...My boy Elton would have killed this in the '70s. Just add the glasses and platform boots, voila!
Macau
i understand the tiles part, Macau was portuguese during 400 years, it looks like "azulejos", but the plastic part.... ? Capture-62...79f9df.jpg
United States Of America
It’s like if the presidential seal became a chippendales model
Load More Replies...As an American, I apologize for our costume. Should of went with this. vanilla-ic...223fb9.jpg
oh my god. Your comment just made me spit out my drink😂
Load More Replies...What the hell is that?! He could have done anything! And that is what you think of? Hell, dress like ANY former president, dress like a mascot. Anything
That's a liberty eagle - so something like that - okay, I have no idea...
Load More Replies...Yeah, that's not a national dress..... it just smacks of 'oh s**t..... .put some stars and stripes on any old s**t and hope we get away with it'
It's gross... A national dress would/should be representative of native culture... not whatever barftastic nationalistic bastardization this is.
Load More Replies...Just looks like Bradley Cooper on steroids at Burning Man.... (apologies B.C.)....
Load More Replies...That was my response.. represent the original Americans. Bring some awareness... ya know... nope.
Load More Replies...Why is America trying to be cultural? Im American and I facepalmed. They should’ve picked a sexy cowboy cuz honestly they’re copying other nations
I think most are not "national costumes", but "fantasy costumes" inspired by their culture, as we see in Miss Universe. By the way, my favorite were Nigeria and South Korea; handsome men, beautiful costumes.
I can't speak for other countries, but Czech guy's outfit closely resemble our folk costumes.
Load More Replies...I was waiting for Germany to have a good laugh, but at least I got Switzerland. (I'm German by the way)
Oh my gosh, the women commenting should be ashamed of themselves. As much as BP posts about 'poor objectified women' , what were the commentors thinking? It embarrasses me .
Agreed. Double standards. I did mention some man's beautiful thighs, but I would never "Hubba Hubba Hubba"... (wtf does that even mean ? LOL.)
Load More Replies...All of the flamboyant ones make me think of a peacock... Strutting about, trying to attract a mate. LOL. Apologies from an Englishman.
I was about to make a comment about this. How could it be OK to drool over undressed males when it's a shame to do this with females? Shame (even though the guys are handsome and so are the costumes).
Load More Replies...My, how UNwoke these are!!! Where's the hostility and hate for not having some "oversized" and "unbeautiful" guys??? Society is SOOOO HYPOCRITICAL!!!
Some of these are great! some are...i don't even know what to say about them
Utterly magnificent I wish more South Asian countries were included. A lot of people in the western world consider South Asia to be synonymous and exclusive to India when it's not. I would have liked more African countries represented as well.
I think most are not "national costumes", but "fantasy costumes" inspired by their culture, as we see in Miss Universe. By the way, my favorite were Nigeria and South Korea; handsome men, beautiful costumes.
I can't speak for other countries, but Czech guy's outfit closely resemble our folk costumes.
Load More Replies...I was waiting for Germany to have a good laugh, but at least I got Switzerland. (I'm German by the way)
Oh my gosh, the women commenting should be ashamed of themselves. As much as BP posts about 'poor objectified women' , what were the commentors thinking? It embarrasses me .
Agreed. Double standards. I did mention some man's beautiful thighs, but I would never "Hubba Hubba Hubba"... (wtf does that even mean ? LOL.)
Load More Replies...All of the flamboyant ones make me think of a peacock... Strutting about, trying to attract a mate. LOL. Apologies from an Englishman.
I was about to make a comment about this. How could it be OK to drool over undressed males when it's a shame to do this with females? Shame (even though the guys are handsome and so are the costumes).
Load More Replies...My, how UNwoke these are!!! Where's the hostility and hate for not having some "oversized" and "unbeautiful" guys??? Society is SOOOO HYPOCRITICAL!!!
Some of these are great! some are...i don't even know what to say about them
Utterly magnificent I wish more South Asian countries were included. A lot of people in the western world consider South Asia to be synonymous and exclusive to India when it's not. I would have liked more African countries represented as well.
