IML Contestant Selection
As announced at our MAL press conference in January 2026, the International Mr. Leather contest will maintain a class of 50 contestants beginning with the 2027 contest.
This applies to IML only. The International Mr. Bootblack application process is unchanged.
Who can apply
Anyone who meets the Rules & Requirements for International Mr. Leather contestants may apply. The eligibility criteria have not changed. In summary:
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You must be the winner of a bar, local, or regional leather contest vetted by a panel of judges.
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IML views the producer of this contest to be the applicant's Primary Sponsor, and each business, organization, individual or title contest event may sponsor only one (1) applicant per IML year.
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Applicants must have a current title and eligible to compete for IML no later than two years from the start of their title year.
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If you have competed at IML and are a member of the IML Brotherhood, you cannot compete again.
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IML applicants must be male or masculine-identifying and 21 years of age or older as of the date that you register for IML in Chicago.
You can find the complete set of Rules & Requirements by clicking here.
How the draw works
APPLY: Applications will be open from December 1 to December 31.
ELIGIBILITY REVIEW: Every application is reviewed against the Rules & Requirements, including criminal-history disclosures. This review happens entirely before the draw.
THE DRAW: All eligible applicants will be entered into two pools:
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25 spots for titleholders from contests in the USA
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25 spots for titleholders from contests outside the USA
If there are fewer than 25 applicants from outside the USA, all of them become contestants, and the remaining spots are added to the US draw.
The 50 contestants will be drawn publicly at Mid-Atlantic Leather in January.
If you are not selected
Every applicant who isn't drawn receives a full run pass to IMLBB 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why don't you pre-judge all applications and pick the 50 best?
Each contestant has already won a title. We can assume those judges picked strong titleholders to represent their communities.
Does a titleholder receive anything if they aren't selected?
Yes, a free full run pass to come support, cheer, dance and play.
If I don't get picked, can I enter the following year?
That's up to your producer. You have two years to enter, but each producer can only sponsor one contestant per year.
If there are fewer than 25 applicants from outside the USA, do they all get in automatically?
Yes, and the extra spots are added to the US draw.
If I win my title after December 31, when can I compete?
If you win your title after December 31, you can compete the following year or the year after - with one exception. Due to the proximity and timing, the winner of MAL will automatically be entered into the current lottery as “Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather Winner" under the condition they meet eligibility requirements.
What if a contestant drops out?
If a contestant drops out before March 31st, an alternate will be drawn from applicants who wish to be considered.