After nearly a month of competition, the Mr. World 2024 pageant concluded on November 23 in Phan Thiet, Vietnam, with more than 60 contestants from around the globe vying for the title. Danny Mejia from Puerto Rico was crowned Mr. World 2024, while Vietnam’s representative, Pham Tuan Ngoc, achieved the prestigious first runner-up position.

Antonio Company from Spain secured the second runner-up title, and Felipe Salvador Maria from Angola was named third runner-up.

The finale opened with the Dance of the World segment, where 60 contestants showcased traditional cultural performances. Representing Vietnam, Pham Tuan Ngoc donned an ao ba ba and scarf, charming the audience with his flute-playing and martial arts display.

Sri Lanka won the audience vote for Best National Costume, while South Sudan claimed the judges’ award in the same category.

The stage then erupted in color and culture as the contestants paraded in Vietnamese ao dai under the theme "Thang Long Tu Tru" (Four Pillars of Thang Long). Intricately embroidered dragon and phoenix motifs adorned the traditional garments, symbolizing Vietnam’s rich heritage.

From cultural elegance, the energy shifted to a dynamic sportswear showcase, where the contestants impressed with their athletic physiques and synchronized choreography, igniting cheers from the audience.

After the sportswear competition, the Top 20 contestants were revealed, including representatives from Puerto Rico (winner of two special awards: Sports and Talent), the USA (Head-to-Head Challenge), Turkey (Top Model), Italy (Multimedia), Myanmar (Beauty with a Purpose), and Vietnam.

The remaining Top 20 spots went to contestants from Peru, Belgium, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Argentina, Mexico, Venezuela, the Czech Republic, Angola, Kenya, India, Lebanon, and the Philippines.

The intensity heightened as the Top 10 were announced, featuring participants from Puerto Rico, Venezuela, the Czech Republic, Spain, Angola, Kenya, India, Turkey, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka. These finalists advanced to the Q&A round, where their insights on social and global issues helped determine the ultimate winners.

The Top 4 contestants - Puerto Rico, Spain, Angola, and Vietnam - delivered their final presentations. Danny Mejia of Puerto Rico impressed with his philosophy on overcoming challenges, while Vietnam’s Pham Tuan Ngoc emphasized the power of social media in fostering community change.

Spain’s Antonio Company moved the audience with his reflections on Vietnamese hospitality, and Angola’s Felipe Salvador Maria highlighted the importance of cultural love and unity.

In the climactic moment, Danny Mejia was crowned Mr. World 2024, earning acclaim for his charisma, talent, and message of positivity. Pham Tuan Ngoc’s journey to becoming the first runner-up marked a proud achievement for Vietnam as the host nation.

The night celebrated not only individual victories but also the unity and cultural exchange that Mr. World fosters among its participants and audience worldwide.

Huy Minh - Thuy Linh