Mr. Fire Island Leather 2026 Contest
Each year, Excelsior MC hosts the highly anticipated contest for Mr. Fire Island Leather, a title that is more than a sash—it’s a symbol of leadership, authenticity, visibility, and dedication to the leather lifestyle. Excelsior sees the title not as a reward, but as a responsibility—to represent the leather community both locally and beyond, to attend events with grace and visibility, and to advocate for sex positivity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of queer life.
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Excelsior invites leathermen from across the spectrum—young or seasoned, classic or nonconforming, doms, subs, pups, daddies, and everything in between—to step forward. Whether you’ve worn leather for decades or just discovered its power, if you feel the fire of representation in your chest and the swagger of authenticity in your walk, this is your moment.
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Excelsior wants a leatherman who turns heads, opens hearts, and knows how to command a room—not just in gear, but in spirit. The title of Mr. Fire Island Leather 2026 awaits a man bold enough to claim it.
Contest Date and Location
The ​Mr. Fire Island Leather contest is held annually at The Arts Project in Cherry Grove and occurs on the Saturday of our Leather Weekend. Our next contest is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026.
Prize Package: A Title Worth Wearing
The Mr. Fire Island Leather 2026 winner will receive a prize package that reflects the spirit, prestige, and sensual artistry of the Fire Island leather community.
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While the full prize package varies each year and will only be revealed the evening of the contest, it traditionally includes a combination of custom gear, curated gifts, and a small travel fund to support the titleholder’s presence at key leather and kink events throughout the year. Please note: the value of the prize package and travel fund is not fixed or guaranteed, as it is shaped annually through the generosity of our club brothers, sponsors, and supporters.
At the heart of the prize is the custom-made David Samuel Menkes Memorial leather sash and the Bruce-Michael Gilbert Memorial title medallion—symbols of honor, pride, and visibility. Unique to Mr. Fire Island Leather, the sash is a one-of-a-kind, handcrafted work of leather art by Diego Vargas, specially commissioned to reflect the identity of the contest and the energy of Fire Island. Unlike many leather titles, this sash is not passed down. It becomes the permanent property of the titleholder—a lasting emblem of their year of service, celebration, and representation.
Contestant Requirements
To compete for the title of Mr. Fire Island Leather 2026, all applicants must meet the following criteria and agree to the associated commitments:
Eligibility
Identify as male, be at least 21 years of age, and reside in the United States.
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Application
Submit a completed contestant application no later than Friday, May 8, 2026 (Late submissions will not be accepted.)
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Participation Commitments
If awarded the title of Mr. Fire Island Leather 2026, the winner agrees to attend the following key events during his title year:
- Fire Island Homecoming Queen Contest - Attend and support this community event in Cherry Grove (date TBA).
- Attend Folsom Street East in New York City (Encouraged)
- Participate in the Cherry Grove Pride Parade (Encouraged)
- March in the New York City Pride March (Encouraged)
- The Invasion of the Pines on July 4th - Sail with pride! Mr. Fire Island Leather 2026 must participate in the Invasion and escort the reigning Homecoming Queens during this legendary Fire Island tradition.
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Post-Title Year Commitments
If awarded the title of Mr. Fire Island Leather 2026, the winner agrees to:
- Serve as a judge at the Fire Island Leather Contest the following year (2027)
- Compete at the prestigious International Mr. Leather (IML) contest in 2027 (Participation in IML is encouraged, but not required.)
Judging Panel
The title of Mr. Fire Island Leather is awarded by a panel of independent judges—Previous Mr. Fire Island Leather Titleholders and respected figures from New York City’s vibrant leather community. Contestants are evaluated on their overall appearance, attitude, and personality, with the winner embodying the spirit, confidence, and camaraderie of the leather scene.
Contest Categories
1. Formal Leather
Each contestant will appear onstage in the formal leatherwear of their choice. They will introduce themselves in conversation with the emcee, followed by speaking for a minute, about why they wish to be named Mr. Fire Island Leather. Judges will assess their stage presence, poise, message, and ability to confidently represent the leather community with pride.
2. Gearwear
Each contestant will appear in gear that reflects their personality—whether fetish gear, a jockstrap, or something uniquely them. This category celebrates self-expression and our leather lifestyle. You will be judged on your response to a light question and your more extended answer to a serious one. You will be a evaluated on your ability to think on your feet, and your understanding of our diverse leather community.
3. Meat Rack Fantasy
A Fire Island classic! Each contestant will have three to five minutes to present a fantasy featuring Fire Island as a locale. The fantasy may be told as a story or acted and may utilize additional cast members or props. This traditional category celebrates creativity, community, and brotherhood.​
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Are you ready to be the next Mr. Fire Island Leather?
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