Rules & Requirements

Rules & Requirements

The International Mr Bootblack Competition (IMBB) is open to any contestant who is at least 21 years of age or older as of the date that you register for IMBB in Chicago, and who is ready and willing to wear the International Mr. Bootblack insignia with pride.

To verify that you meet the age requirement, you are required to present a government-issued photo identification (such as a driver’s license, state ID, or passport) during registration. We will make a copy of this document, and it will be placed with your application during the Contestant Registration in Chicago.

Contestant Applications must be completed online as soon as possible, but no later than April 30, 2026 by 2400 hours (midnight ) CDT. Upon online submission of your full and completed application, IMBB will send you an email confirming your participation and advise you when to register with the IMLBB Officials at the host hotel in Chicago. You will receive other detailed information for the weekend during registration and orientation. Your on-time attendance at registration is required.

IMBB Contestants are required to provide all information requested on this application (you won’t be able to submit the application until all information is entered). If you have additional information that you would like the judges to have, you must bring 10 copies of each page with you when you arrive at Contestant Registration. While at Contestant Registration, you will be required to sign and date your Contestant Agreement and Contestant Photo Release form, stating that you will appear at all official IML Weekend events, including – but not limited to – Contestant Registration, Contestant Orientation, Opening Ceremonies, Preliminary Interviews, Physique and Stage Presence event, educational sessions, Bootblack stand time,  photo sessions, rehearsals, and the IML & IMBB Contests on Sunday of Memorial Day weekend. Failure to appear as scheduled may result in disqualification.

If you have been convicted of a crime or have charges pending you are required to disclose them for IMLBB review.

All contestants are expected to adhere to the IMLBB Statement of Ethics and Code of Conduct. IMLBB reserves the right to remove any Contestant from the competition at any time, and for any cause. All applications must be approved by IMLBB to compete.