PH bet Oliver Eugen Kretz leads strong campaign in Man of the World 2026
The Philippines’ Oliver Eugen Kretz is poised to secure the country’s first-ever victory in the eight-year-old Man of the World pageant with a strong campaign that already saw him collecting gold medals from pre-final events.
The German-Filipino hunk from Palawan first topped the “Media’s Choice” poll by amassing the highest number of votes from journalitsts and online content creators.
His gold medal haul is the best among the 28 participants with a total of three citations. He also topped the Best in Beachwear and Best in Swimwear competitions.
Kretz was also in the Top 10 of the Charity Award, Fashion of the World, Mister Congeniality, Best Physique, Best in Formal Wear and Best in National Costume categories.
Trailing him with two gold medals is Abel Adrian Diaz from Ecuador, who dominated the Fashion of the World and Best in Formal Wear competitions, and picked up a silver in the Best in Swimwear category.
Also with two gold medals is Jose Mario Rodriguez, who topped the Charity Award and Best in National Costume categories. Indonesia’s Denny Howman and Colombia’s Camilo Andres Leal both copped gold medals when they tied for the Mister Congeniality title.
Also picking up a gold medal each were Thanongsak Chuaykerd from Thailand for Best in Arrival Outfit, Kelvin Lopez from Puerto Rico for Mister Personality, Fidel Arellano from Chile for Mister Photogenic and Luis Arturo Jauregui from Mexico for Best Physique.
The 2026 Man of the World coronation night will take place at Palacio de Maynila in Manila on June 6, at 7 p.m. Reigning king Juul Missiaen from Spain will crown his successor at the end of the competition.
Venezuelan winner Sergio Azuaga from the 2024 competition will join the selection committee, along with Filipino international shoe designer Jojo Bragais. /ra
