Marcus Barela, Mr. Eagle LA from San Marcos, California, was named International Mr. Leather 2023 at the 45th annual IML Competition in Chicago Sunday, May 28.
Barela bested a field of 54 contestants from around the world to claim the coveted leather title.
International contestants represented Colombia, France, Germany, Norway, Spain, and Switzerland.
Over 2,000 leather enthusiasts packed the
Auditorium Theatre for the annual competition where Barela claimed the coveted leather title.
Photos: IML Pecs and PersonalityChris Gonzalez, Mr. GNI Leather 2022 from Atlanta, was named first runner-up and the second runner-up was Matthew Moody, Mr. Phoenix Leather 2022 from Phoenix.
"We would like to congratulate all of our contestants for working so hard to represent our tribe during the Sapphire Anniversary," organizers posted on Facebook.
An International Mr. Bootblack competition did not take place this year, so no winner was announced.
After the contest, Barela and the other contestants and attendees celebrated at the annual Victory Party at
House of Blues Chicago.
IML 2023, which closed Monday, May 29, drew nearly 20,000 visitors to downtown Chicago over the Memorial Day weekend.