Mr gay world
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We are serious, passionate, and deeply invested in it. “I was diagnosed autistic only a year ago, at 40,” he said. When he had the chance to choose a candidate, he intentionally picked someone who defied the stereotypical “perfect pageant physique.” For him, a titleholder’s true value lies in courage, message, and heart.
He believes beauty can be a doorway—but substance is what turns that doorway into a movement.
Out of twelve stunning candidates, Spatola soared to the top—snatching both the Best Swimwear and Best Formal Wear awards along the way, as if to remind everyone that yes, superheroes do exist, and sometimes they show up in a tight speedo.
@diangratuitoTHE BEST IN FORMAL WEAR MR GAY WORLD 2025 ITALY JULIO SPATOLA
♬ original sound – MAGanap (Marc Adrian Ganap) – MAGanap (Marc Adrian Ganap)
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Gay World Paul Carruthers Had the Internet THIRSTING
A Nerdy Italian Icon with a Superhero Heart
If you think Spatola is just muscle and megawatt smiles, think again. Returning now to chase that title means reclaiming that bright part of me.”
Now, crowned Mr. Gay World 2025, Julio Spatola stands as a symbol of resilience, visibility, and powerful queer joy.
Gay Street, Mr. Gay Europe. Behind the jawline sharp enough to cut glass is a lifelong cinephile who grew up believing Spider-Man’s most iconic line: “With great power comes great responsibility.” That mantra became the backbone of his life, his creativity, and his advocacy.
As a visual effects artist, videographer, and editor, Spatola has actually fulfilled the dream of millions—working on Marvel films while using his talents to amplify messages of love, inclusion, and LGBTQIA+ pride.
They won’t just be here for a holiday trip; they’ll be here to prove the strength of their advocacy, their beauty and their ability to lead.”
With fresh leadership, a passionate host city, and a renewed global purpose, Mr Gay World 2025 is set to redefine the pageant stage for a new generation.
Candidates from around the world will attend the 17th edition of Mr Gay World, taking place in Quezon City, Philippines, with the Grand Coronation Night scheduled for December 1, 2025.
For more details or to submit your country’s candidacy for the competition, please visit the official Mr Gay World Facebook page here.
Last Updated on Aug 27, 2025
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✨ #BeautybyGelo#MrGayWorld
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A Full-Circle Moment at 40
Spatola’s journey is made even more powerful by his late-in-life autism diagnosis. Crowning moments include Mr. In his words:
“I’ve always seen Mr.
Gay as a superhero. Gay World 2025, and the crown could not look better on anyone else.
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Move over, Prince Charming—Julio Spatola has arrived, and he’s taking his rightful place on the global queer throne. For example, Quezon City was the first local government unit to pass a comprehensive anti-discrimination ordinance, it actively supports Pride Marches, and it has continuously provided programs for LGBTQIA+ welfare.
“By hosting Mr Gay World here, contestants and audiences can expect not just a competition but an experience that immerses them in a city that breathes advocacy and equality.
“They’ll feel the heartbeat of a community that has long fought for acceptance and celebration of diversity,” Renzo explained.
For Renzo, advocacy is at the heart of the event’s reinvention.
“I’m tired of pageants that make empty claims of advocacy,” Renzo claimed, “Too many competitions say they stand for something, but their impact ends when the spotlight turns off.
“For me, Mr Gay World 2025 must live and breathe its advocacy.
Mr Gay World, the world’s longest-running pageant for gay men, is preparing for a historic transformation with its 17th edition set to take place in Quezon City, Philippines, on December 1, 2025.
For the first time in the competition’s history, the pageant is under Filipino ownership, ushering in a new era of leadership focused on structure, inclusivity, and meaningful advocacy.
The new CEO and President of Mr Gay World Wayne Renzo said the new beginning for the competition is personal.
“Honestly, it started out of frustration, I kept asking myself: how could a 16-year-old organisation with so much potential still feel so unorganised?” explained Renzo.
“That frustration fueled my decision to step in and take over, with a promise to do better.
“Under Filipino leadership, Mr Gay World will no longer just exist as an event — it will be rebuilt into a stronger, more purposeful platform.”
The decision to host the pageant in Quezon City underlines that mission.
“The Philippines takes pageantry to a whole different level.
As he once shared, storytelling is a superpower, and he intends to use it for good.
His journey has been long and glittering. The Italian heartthrob—and self-professed nerd with the charm of a comic book lead—was just crowned Mr. Gay Rome, Mr. Gay—became the most authentic expression of himself.
“It transformed me from the shy, insecure nerd I was into someone who felt strong, seen, recognized.
Got tips or a news story that you would like published? One crown fell into the next, and before long he found himself representing Italy in contests where authenticity mattered just as much as aesthetics.
Representation Beyond Rhinestones
To Spatola, pageants aren’t merely glitter and perfectly oiled abs—they’re platforms for visibility, power, and truth.
“A beautiful face can catch the attention of people who would never otherwise listen to a political or social message… but if it contains substance and truth, then that platform becomes useful.”
@beautybygeloSharing a backstage moment with the newly crowned Mr Gay World 2025 Julio Spatola of Italy 👑 🏳️🌈 🇮🇹 Body makeup and subtle ab contouring.
From the moment Spatola stepped onto the stage in the Philippines, he radiated confidence, kindness, and that unmistakable “I’m here to make you scream, cry, and cheer all at once” Italian energy.
Photo Credit: @mgworganization (Instagram)
This year’s competition brought together fierce contenders from the Philippines, Great Britain, Japan, Australia, the Netherlands, the United States, South Africa, and more.
Gay World, embracing not only his queerness but also his identity as an Aspie—a journey he speaks about with profound openness and tenderness.
From a Flyer in Rome to a Global Stage
Spatola’s pageant origin story is legendary—equal parts petty, romantic, and iconic.
“My first Mr.
Gay Street participation happened completely by chance, right outside my home in Rome near the Colosseum,” he shared in an interview with gay.it.
He had been walking with his boyfriend when he spotted a flyer.
“I joked: ‘Imagine if I entered…’ And he replied, ‘As long as you’re with me, you’ll never do it.’”
That was all the motivation he needed.
The discovery, he explained, reframed everything—his social battles, his need to mask, the ways he navigated public spaces.
But here’s the fabulous twist: the “mask” he built for survival—Mr.