Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam is set to host the first Mr. World 2024 pageant for the first time in November, making it the third Asian nation to take on this global event, following the Republic of Korea in 2010 and the Philippines in 2019.
The organising board announced that the competition is already generating significant international buzz, with countries that have been absent for years returning to the stage, alongside newcomers eager to make their mark.
A diverse, talented lineup
One outstanding contestant is Sam Syinthavong, Mr World Laos 2024. A versatile talent, Sam is a teaching assistant, model, and personal trainer who previously placed in the Top 5 at Mister International Laos 2021. With a degree in mechanical engineering, Sam currently teaches physical education to children with autism. His humanitarian project, "Autism Kids Talk", aims to raise awareness and generate support for children with autism, showcasing his commitment to making a difference.
Another remarkable contestant is Usman Janjua, a 24-year-old British man of Pakistani origin from Lahore, known as the "City of Gardens". Now based in London, Usman is the founder of a real estate financial brokerage firm, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit. Beyond his business acumen, he is a model, boxer and athlete. His passion for football began at an early age, leading him to sign a contract with the UK’s football club West Bromwich Albion at just 15. Three years later, he shifted focus to boxing where he continues to excel.
New faces on the Mr World stage
This year, the Mr. World stage welcomes new faces, including Shaun Micheal Alinda from Mbarara and Djibril Cissé from Guinea.
Alinda, 24, is making history as the first-ever contestant from Mbarara. Standing tall at 1.87m, he is a fashion model and entrepreneur, managing a poultry farm while pursuing a degree in real estate and property management. Alinda hopes to inspire creativity and provide support to those in need through the Mr. World platform.
Cissé, 28, hails from Conakry and is a passionate environmental activist. With a degree in modern literature, he previously served as the president of his university’s student committee. As a gifted poet and nature enthusiast, Djibril aims to lead initiatives in environmental sustainability and media development, using this platform to advocate for a greener future as Guinea’s first Mr. World titleholder.
Representing Guinea-Bissau, Gabriel Monteiro, 28, is a financial advisor fluent in English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Catalan, proudly identifying himself as a descendant of his nation’s royal lineage. His aspirations include becoming a successful entrepreneur, using his success to drive positive global changes, and living by the motto “Give your best, and the results will always follow”.
Natnael Mirco, 27, representing Ethiopia, is a fashion model and the reigning Mister Friendship Ethiopia 2023. He previously competed in the Mister Friendship International 2023 pageant in Taiwan and is eager to make his country proud among the 80 contestants from around the world in Vietnam.
Jamaica, a Caribbean nation celebrated for producing four Miss World winners, returns to the Mr. World stage with Tarique Barrett, a 22-year-old student at the University of the West Indies. Tarique is pursuing a double major in marketing and accounting while channeling his passion for sports as a member of a rugby team. Jamaica made its debut at Mr. World in 1996, and with Tarique, it aims to continue the legacy of excellence./.
