Mr. Gay World expects to see record breaking attendance during the worldOutgames

worldOutgames attracts best participation to date at the fifth annual Mr. Gay World Competition set for July 31st - August 5th in Antwerp, Belgium

Antwerp, Belgium - 26.06.2013 - A record number of 32 countries are participating in Mr. Gay World 2013, which forms part of the Cultural Programme and Human Rights Conference of the worldOutgames, which is to be held in Antwerp, Belgium from 31 July - 11 August 2013. The competition culminates in a glittering finale to be held at the Elckerlijc Theatre on 4 August 2013. Several titles will be awarded such as the GuySpy People's Choice Award, Mr. Swimwear, Mr. Sport, Mr. Congeniality and Best National Costume.

The Mr. Gay World 2013 delegates include Denmark, Myanmar, Pakistan, Puerto Rico, Taiwan, and Ukrainehaving contestants for the first time in the global search for a gay ambassador (click to view the delegates ) India, Italy and host country Belgium have all returned to the competition, with regulars like Argentina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Finland, Hong Kong, Ireland, Mexico, Namibia, Philippines, Spain, South Africa, and USA all participating. Countries like France and New Zealand, who have recently legalised same-sex marriage, are also in attendance. Host nation for Mr. Gay Europe 2013, taking place just before Mr. Gay World, the Czech Republic, will also send a delegate.

The competition, created in June 2008 by Eric Butter and Dean Nelson, saw them embarking on a mission to create a global competition that would inspire and empower gay men to come together in a public performance that would show the world that being gay encompasses a broad spectrum and to demonstrate that both inward beauty and physical appearance are equally important as is leadership and confidence. Regional directors representing every corner of the planet, see to it that as diverse a representation of countries as possible take part every year.

The scoring criteria clearly shows that this is a fully encompassing competition balancing both brain and brawn - marks are given for instance in a written test where LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual) history and knowledge are tested, a panel interview which makes up 30% of the score is conducted, as well as other categories like sport, photogenic, and a local arts project are tested with an unprepared on stage question rounding off the marks.

The public is invited to participate in the GuySpy People's Choice Award by voting on line for delegates - click on the pink vote button on the delegates' profiles (you can vote for more than one country, every 24 hours) here:

Though this award is a stand alone title and the final results have no bearing on the final score for Mr. Gay World, the delegate that has the most votes will win $500 for his chosen charity as well as a $250 cash prize for himself.  GuySpy will also award $200 for one of the lucky voters.  Click for contest details

Tickets for the Grand Finale on Sunday, August 4th, 2013 are 30 € and 25 €. There is also a VIP ticket for 95 € that includes best seats for the show, a walking dinner before the show, a meet & great with the delegates and a diamond cocktail. Everyone at the diamond cocktail reception, including the Mr. Gay World delegates, will receive a glass of champagne which contains a little stone, mostly zircons, but in 3 glasses will have real diamonds.  Three lucky people will be going home with their own personal diamond in the capital of diamonds.  For more information on tickets visit: http://woga2013.org/index.php/en/fun/ticketprice

-30- High Resolution Photos available on Flickr click here to view and download. Photo Credit MGW/MGE - Aaron Comis.  Other images available upon request.

The mission of Mr. Gay World (MGW) is to advance national and international gay rights through education and public performance.  MGW creates authentic leaders who will take responsibility, not only in his own community but on a global stage, speaking out for equal rights by inspiring those around him.  MGW is a genuine and positive role model that will champion equality and diversity in the media both gay and mainstream. For more information on Mr. Gay World please visit mrgayworld.org

About Mr. Gay World ( MrGayWorld.org ) The Mr. Gay World Competition is the Twenty First Century public performance where the delegates represent their nation as the best spokesperson and embody the spirit of their nation.   The delegate chosen to represent his peers on a global stage will not only have the inner beauty of confidence, self assurance, charisma and natural leadership abilities but he will also take care in his outward beauty. Click to read more... 5th Annual Mr. Gay World Competition in Antwerp, Belgium (July 31 - August 5, 2013 hosted by the worldOutgames)

Jerko Bozikovic is the Mr. Gay World 2013 Co-Executive Producer for the host city of Antwerp, Belgium.  Mr. Bozikovic is the co-founder of the worldOutgames Antwerp and reiterated "We are extremely proud to join forces since both organizations share similar values and therefore it seemed only logical for us to collaborate in creating a high-standard, life-changing and fun event.  We look forward welcoming everyone to Antwerp in August 2013."

The international judging panel consists of: Eric Butter president of Mr. Gay World, Ltd. (Australia), Andy Derleth, Mr Gay World 2012 (New Zealand), Adebisi Alimi human rights activist and the principal partner of Bisi Alimi Consultancy, a research, policy, lobbying and training firm he set up to promote LGBT rights globally. (Nigeria), Kristof De Busser is chief inspector and member of the diversity team of the Antwerp Local Police (Belgium), Michiel Vanackere is working as field coordinator for a European HIV prevalence research project at the Institute for Tropical Health in Antwerp.(Belgium), more judges to be announced later.

Mr. Gay World 2013 Grand Finale will be held at the Elckerlijc Theatre at Antwerp, Belgium on Sunday, August 4th.  The official host hotel is the Ramada Plaza Hotel.  For more information on the five day competition please visit MrGayWorld.org Event Tickets online Calendar of Events High Resolution Images

Mr. Gay World 2013:  Host Producer - Jerko Bozikovic:   jerko.bozikovic@woga2013.org Mr. Gay World Prize Mr. Gay World 2013 will receive a  trophy, a sash, an opportunity to visit the five continents during his term as Mr. Gay World 2013 (subject to sponsorship) including a Southern Caribbean Cruise sponsored by Amazing Cruises, and a stay in Knysna, Western Cape, South Africa during the 2014 Pink Loerie Mardi Gras festival sponsored by Pink Loerie and partners; and clothing sponsored by Bjorn Born, limited edition "Love United" Binôche sunglasses, and more to be announced.

Mr. Gay World - International Media Dean Nelson MGW Media Relations Tel: +1.604.288.7218 dean@mrgayworld.org | @mgworg #MGW13