05/26/2026
Wow! What a weekend!
As the Director of Engagement, one of the greatest honors is having the opportunity to touch so many different departments within the IMLBB organization — especially the incredibly talented photographers and marketing team who help bring this weekend to life.
This year, we collaborated closely with them to introduce something new: presenting our Top 20 contestants with their names and photographs. It was a powerful way to celebrate each contestant and elevate them during that portion of the competition.
A huge thank you to Ron and Mike for the incredible in-studio shoots, and to our outstanding field photographers — Andrew, Magnus, and our volunteer photographer Audrey — for capturing all of the IMLBB weekend.
To my amazing social media team: Chris Diorio, our brilliant social media manager and creative mastermind, alongside the absolute dream team of Brianna Bunni, Jessica Akanke, and Allison Boots — thank you for your dedication, creativity, and tireless work throughout this unforgettable weekend.
I am truly honored to have worked beside each of you.
And now, congratulations to your 2026 IMLBB Podium:
International Mr. Bootblack
2nd Runner-Up — Pup Verde,
Texas Bootblack 2025
1st Runner-Up — Jimmy Basset,
Northeast Drummer Bootblack 2017
WINNER — Atlas Rose,
Route 66 Bootblack 2025
International Mr. Leather
2nd Runner-Up — Denzel Belin,
Mr. Twin Cities Leather 2026
1st Runner-Up — Sgt. Alex,
Mr. Cincinnati Leather 2025
WINNER — Honey Davenport,
Mr. Palm Springs Leather 2026
Congratulations to each of you on your well-deserved victories.
Until next year…
Master J. Tebias Perry
Director of Engagement
