The fifth edition of the highly anticipated Mister National Universe 2023 pageant kicked off on June 19th, in Bangkok and featured an impressive lineup of contestants from around the world.
Representing their respective countries, the contestants vying for the prestigious title included Paing Soe Khant, from Myanmar, Michael Den Oudsten from Netherlands, Tishkin Vladislav from Latvia, Marcus Charlie Bishop from England, Michael Ver Comaling from Philippines, Alan Bolt from Crimea, Sergei Voitov from Ukraine, Kim Minh Son from Vietnam, Maxim Zvonov from Russia, Ali Afroug from Turkey, Jan Asad from Pakistan, Shaposhnikov Nikita from Uzbekistan, Kritti Nampradit from Thailand, Biswajit Roy from India, Benedict Yu from Malaysia, Jonzu Jones from the USA, Parulian Simanungkalit from Indonesia, Ryan John from Australia, Takumi Ozaw from Japan, Ivan Sibay from Cebu Island, Hong Seok Jin from Korea, Khamphouvong Khansanga from Laos, Khanyisani Ngobese from South Africa, and Sahand Jafarzadeh from Iran.
On the 20th, the men were presented their sashes at an exclusive sashing ceremony dinner hosted by Sukamal Mondal, the General Manager of Amari Watergate Bangkok, and attended by the Honorary Chairwoman of the Mister National Universe competition, Thai celebrity, and socialite Khun Sumanee GunaKasem.
Official host hotels for MNU 2023 were Shama Lakeview Asoke Bangkok, Amari Don Muang Airport Bangkok, and Amari Watergate Bangkok. The contestants, along with media personnel, country managers, and organizing staff, stayed for three nights at each property. Throughout their stay, the men participated in various events and activities at each host hotel as well as day trips to exciting locations within Thailand.
At Shama Lakeview Asoke Bangkok, the contestants enjoyed early morning poolside yoga sessions and indulged in a Thai cooking class. The men improved their cooking skills with another cooking class at Amari Don Muang Airport Bangkok and immersed themselves in the local culture by giving alms to Monks at the Amari Watergate Bangkok.
The men also ventured outside of Bangkok to see different facets of Thailand. The contestants visited Ang Thong, home to Thailand’s largest Buddha image, and took a day trip to Ayutthaya, a historic city that was once the capital of the Siamese kingdom.
On June 26th, the contestants participated in “A Night of Thai Celebration,” a charity event and fashion show held at the Amari Watergate Bangkok. Attendees had the opportunity to interact with all the candidates, take photos, and enjoy the evening’s festivities.
The pinnacle of the Mister National Universe 2023 competition was the Grand Final Night, which took place on June 27th in the grand ballroom of the Amari Watergate Bangkok and broadcast globally.
The evening started with an exciting and energetic dance performance featuring all the contestants. Leading the performance was Viet Haong, a professional dancer and the reigning Mister National Universe 2022 from Vietnam.
The Honorary Chairwoman of the Mister National Universe competition, Khun Sumanee GunaKasem, then delivered the opening speech, setting the stage for the exciting night ahead.
The contestants made their grand entrance one by one, wearing nothing but Calvin Klein Briefs, showcasing their physical prowess and confidence. The judges, who were introduced to the audience, had the important task of evaluating the participants based on various criteria, such as confidence, appearance, answers given to questions posed, etc… Also impacting the overall judging was how the candidates interacted with everyone for the 8 days leading up to the final night.
The event featured captivating performances of Thai classical dance, and the contestants dazzled in traditional costumes, representing the rich cultural heritage of their countries.
Special awards were presented to deserving contestants throughout the evening. Russia’s Maxim Zvonov won the title of 2023 Mr. National Universe Perfect Body, while Michael Den Oudsten from the Netherlands was awarded the 2023 Mr. National Universe Congeniality. Benedict Yu from Malaysia was recognized, winning the 2023 Mr. National Universe Flawless Skin award, and Michael Ver Comaling from the Philippines received the 2023 Mr. National Universe Photogenic award.
Jonzu Jones from the USA was named the 2023 Mr. National Universe Fashion Icon, while Japan’s Takumi Ozawa won the 2023 Mr. National Universe Media Choice award.
As the competition progressed, the top 10 contestants were announced, showcasing their poise and eloquence. Contestants making it into the top 10 included Latvia, Pakistan, Russia, Japan, England, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, & Ukraine. Each finalist had 30 seconds to answer a separate question, demonstrating their intelligence and quick thinking.
While the judges were making tough decisions, it was time for the last two special awards. This time the awards were for the Best National Directors, and they went to the Netherlands and the Philippines.
With the judges scores tallied, the top 5 finalists were revealed: They were Latvia, England, Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia. These remarkable contestants faced the final question, which tested their perspectives on an important topic.
But before the big titles were handed out, it was time for Mr. Donghun Kim from Korea, 2022 Mister National Globe, & Mister National Universe 2022, Viet Hoang from Vietnam, to bid farewell and remark on their memorable reign over the last year.
And then it was time. In a moment of suspense, the winners were announced. securing the title of 4th runner-up and Mister National Intercontinental was Tishkin Vladislav from Latvia. Claiming the 3rd runner-up spot as Mister National Earth was Michael Ver Comaling from the Philippines,
And then in a surprise moment, it was announced that the judges had tied in the voting for the next contestants, so a special question was asked of the remaining three to help with the judge’s decision. That question was, “What Makes Being a candidate Mister National Universe 2023 a Privilege?
With the question answered by the three, the judges made their decisions and the final awards were handed out. And they were, 2nd runner-up and Mister National Globe, Kritti Nampradit from Thailand. 1st runner-up with the title Mister National World went to Marcus Charlie Bishop from England.
Which left, Benedict Yu from Malaysia emerging victorious, as Mister National Universe 2023. With all the photos taken, the evening concluded, and the celebratory atmosphere moved to the fabulous Bar Milano in the lobby of the Amari Watergate Bangkok for the official after-party which ran into the morning.
Mister National Universe 2023 came to a thrilling end, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of the participants and the audience. Mister National Universe CEO and Founder Lalinlalinphatara “Tanya” Nakawatjidapa had this to say, “The Mister National Universe 2023 pageant in Bangkok exceeded all expectations, uniting exceptional contestants from across the globe. Benedict Yu’s victory as Mister National Universe 2023 sets the stage for an exhilarating reign, as he embodies our organization’s values with unmatched pride and elegance.”
Master of Ceremonies
Mr. Arthit Mekarkard & Lenka Marie Vomocil,
Judges:
Chanon Soponpattaradarin
Joy Hanak
Jaran Auparnan
Teerabhorn Sihsobhon
Saranya Watanasirisuk
Dennis Chong
Kosit Namchue
Sakara Mahapho
Angkanang Shakira Bumrungsorn
Thierry Berno
Dr. Rungpailin Rattanacheewirn
Lotty Nayo
Dr. Penlada Krutkosa
Alain Fortin
Madame Nadear
Sukamal Mondal
Sudta Kiddee
Picyanan Srisa Watparkorn