A new king has been crowned at the conclusion of the 17th edition of the Mr. International pageant in Bangkok, Thailand. Kirk Bondad of the Philippines was named Mr. International 2025 on Thursday evening, taking the title from the outgoing winner, Nigeria’s own Nwajagu Chinemerem Samuel, in a globally televised event.
The final moments of the competition saw Mr. Samuel take his final walk as the reigning titleholder before passing the crown and sash to an emotional Kirk Bondad.
The ceremony marked the end of a successful reign for the Nigerian, who made history as the first African to win the prestigious title in 2024.Held at the MCC Hall in Bangkok, the event featured 40 contestants from around the world who competed in various segments, including national costume, swimwear, and formal wear.
After a series of eliminations, the competition narrowed down to the final group of contestants.Ultimately, Bondad captivated the judges and the audience, particularly during the final question-and-answer round. When asked what global issue he would highlight at the United Nations, he spoke passionately about the importance of child protection and education, stating that “today’s children will be tomorrow’s leaders.
“Following Bondad’s victory, the first runner-up was announced as Saadedine Hneineh of Lebanon, while Seung-ho Choi of South Korea was named the second runner-up. The win marks the second time a representative from the Philippines has secured the Mr. International title.
As the new Mr. International, Kirk Bondad will now embark on a year-long journey as a global ambassador for the organization, participating in humanitarian work and promotional activities. His reign begins as he takes over the duties and responsibilities from his predecessor, Nwajagu Chinemerem Samuel.
