Marlon Polo of Panama has won the title of Mister Universe 2016.  The finals were held in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.  This was the 9th edition of the pageant. Last year the winner was Rogier Warnawa of the Netherlands.

Marlon Polo was one of the favorites to win the crown.  First runner-up was Mister Venezuela.  Second runner-up was Mister Dominican Republic.  Third runner-up was Mister Puerto Rico.  Fourth runner-up was Mister Colombia.  Fifth Runner-up was Mister Poland.  Argentina, Peru, Nicaragua, France, Curacao and Belgium completed the Top 12.  Mister Ecuador David Manzoh won Mister Friendship.  Mister Brazil Breno Ruis won Mister Photogenic.  Mister Panama Marlon Polo also won Best in National Costume.

Significance of Male Pageants in today’s times

Mister Universe is one of the many male international pageants.  While beauty pageants for women have been popular since decades, male pageants are not yet very popular.  The most important and popular international male pageants may be Mister World (organized by Miss World Organization) and Mister International.  Mister Universe (Men Universe Model, as it was previously known) is yet to reach the popularity of these pageants.  In general, we appreciate such pageants because they encourage male models and provide them with more work opportunities of international nature.

Credits: Mister Universe