Nigerian model Nwajagu Chinemerem Samuel has made history by being crowned Mister International 2024 at the 16th edition of the annual pageant.
On December 14, the 23-year-old Anambra-born model bested 47 global contestants—including runners-up Nguyễn Mạnh Lân from Vietnam and Glenn Victor Sutanto from Indonesia—in Island Hall, Fashion Island in Bangkok, Thailand to become the first African and black person to win the award in its 16-year history. Handing him the winner’s sash was the immediate former Mister International, Thailand’s own Kim Thitisan Goodburn.
Back home in Nigeria, social media erupted with admiration for Nwajagu’s striking looks, with many praising his chiseled face, light skin tone, and captivating brown eyes. But it wasn’t just his looks that earned him the crown—his physical prowess also stood out. Nwajagu won the Best in Swimwear award, a crucial segment of the pageant where contestants’ fitness, posture, and confidence are tested by the jury.
Nwajagu’s journey to victory wasn’t easy, with stiff competition from the final six contestants, including strong contenders from Spain, the Netherlands, and the Philippines. He also excelled in the all-important Q&A round, where his communication skills and ability to respond clearly and confidently helped him shine.
This win marks Nigeria’s second significant achievement in international beauty pageants in 2024, following Chidimma Adetshina’s near victory at Miss Universe, where she was narrowly edged out by Denmark’s Victoria Kjær Theilvig.
Lebanon is the current record holder with three Mister International titles, although one of its winners, Ali Hammoud (2012), gave up his crown and Singapore’s Roh Teh took his position. Vietnam and Brasil follow with two wins each.
After Saturday’s win though, the only way for Nwajagu’s career is up.