This year the hunt is on again for a fit and friendly home-grown candidate to represent Australia in the coveted Mr. Gay World contest.

This year’s elaborate pageant is taking place this April in Johannesburg, since hot South African contestant Francios Nel won it last year.

Last year 26-year-old country boy Leigh Charles (below) did well at the Mr. Gay World pageant in Manila, coming in a respectable fourth place. Meet him here.

“Mr. Gay World empowers gay men to be the best they can be and share their stories,” say the organisers. “Delegates from around the world represent their nations by embodying the spirit of each country.” FYI – it’s also a chance to flash your gym-fit body.

The four-day contest will be held in South Africa through 4-8 April. If you’re chosen to be the Aussie candidate, your flight to Johannesburg and hotel expenses will be paid for. All contestants will be staying at the luxurious Fairway Hotel Golf Resort and the Grand Finale will take place on April 8th at the Gold Reef Casino Lyric Theatre.

It’s set to be an intense but fun week of adventures in Johannesburg. Activities planned during the Mr. Gay World competition include a drive with game rangers in safari vehicles, a sports challenge, panel interviews, a visit to the Apartheid Museum, and a whole lot of amazing activities that truly show off South Africa as ‘the rainbow nation’.

Apply to represent Australia at Mr. Gay World here, and check out our gallery showing last year’s hunky contestants below.