Preston So (center) the new Mr. International Rubber surrounded by his predecessors after winning in Chicago. (Photos by Ruff Wray)
CHICAGO — Preston So of Boston and Mr. New England Rubber 2016 won Mr. International Rubber 20 on Saturday, Nov. 5, in Chicago. Preston made history not only winning MIR’s twentieth anniversary, but for also being the first Asian-American man to win an international fetish title.
Preston was one of nine contestants this year, with men coming from the U.S., Spain, Australia and the Netherlands. Chicago’s Center on Halsted once again hosted the four-day event with a vendor market, classes and the contest itself. Other events took place at Touche, Jackhammer, Cellblock and Steamworks through out the weekend.
Local entertainer Teri Yaki once again hosted the contest, but his year she was joined on stage by Sly Hands, Mr. International Rubber 2012. The two had great chemistry on stage and kept the show moving well both nights. They were also joined by MIR’s regular ASL interpreter Anne.
The contest also hosted a fashion show of leather and fetish gear and MIR exec producer Rubberwilli remembered MIR volunteers Franklin “Pup Sparky” Vortuba and Thom Moran and South East Rubber Contest producer Alan Penrod who passed away in the past year.
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