Text and photos by Drew Francisco
A rocket scientist from England was named the new Mr World in glittering finale held August 23 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City in the Philippines.
Jack Heslewood, a 27-year-old aerospace engineer, bested 71 other contestants from across the globe for the title previously held by Mr World 2016 Rohit Khandelwal from India. He will now be joining the Miss World Organisation’s (MWO) Beauty With A Purpose activities.
“At one point I was standing up straight, and the next minute I was being carried facing the ceiling trying to come to terms with the fact that I won Mr World,” Heslewood said shortly after winning the coveted title.
South Africa’s Fezile Mkhize, a medical doctor, placed second. Engineering student and model Brian Faugier of Mexico finished third. Brazil’s Carlos Franco and the Dominican Republic’s Alejandro Martinez completed the Top 5.
The five fast track winners who automatically earned their spots in the Top 12 were Mkhize of South Africa (Sports), Ireland’s Wayne Walsh (Extreme), Tonga’s Mikaele Ahomana (Talent & Creativity), Faugier of Mexico (Top Model), and Nepal’s Akshay Rayamajhi (Multimedia). The rest of the Top 12 were Martinez of the Dominican Republic, Franco of Brazil, Alberto Nodale of Austria, Jean-Paul Bitar of Lebanon, Adam Steenson of Northern Ireland, and host delegate JB Saliba of the Philippines.
The continental winners were also awarded after the finale show. They were:
Africa – Fezile Mkhize of South Africa
Americas – Brian Faugier of Mexico
Asia & Oceania – JB Saliba of the Philippines
Caribbean – Alejandro Martinez of the Dominican Republic
Europe – Alberto Nodale of Austria
MWO chairman Julia Morley and Miss World 2018 Vanessa Ponce de Leon sat in the judging panel, together with former Miss World winners Stephanie del Valle (2016) and Ksenia Sukhinova (2008). Miss World 2013 Megan Young and actor Mikael Daez hosted the show. Missosology.Org
