Greece’s Nikos Antonopoulos named Manhunt International 2019 first runner-up in Quezon City, Philippines

Nikos Antonopoulos, 24, of Greece almost won Manhunt International 2019. Competing against 35 other handsome male models from all over the world, the Greek university student emerged as the first runner-up.

Antonopoulos is a student in the University of Crete in Rethymno, Crete, Greece. He is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in History and Archaeology.

On February 18, 2020, Antonopoulos and his fellow Manhunt International 2019 candidates were presented to media members at the Platinum Hall of F1 Hotel Manila in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines. The next day, they enjoyed some fun activities at Canyon Cove Hotel and Spa in Nasugbu, Batangas, Philippines.

Hosted by Miss Intercontinental 2015 first runner-up Christi McGarry, 29, and Andre Bruillette, the Manhunt International 2019 coronation night took place at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines.

It marked the second time Manhunt International was held in the Philippines following the coronation of Ernesto Calzadilla of Venezuela in the country in 1999. It was the 20th edition of the international male beauty pageant conceived by Metromedia Singapore and Procon Leisure International.

Paul Luzineau, 23, of the Netherlands bested all the 35 candidates and won the top prize. Matheus Giora, 31, of Brazil, Yeray Hidalgo, 26, of Spain and Mayur Gangwani, 21, of India were the respective second, third and fourth runners-up.

Aside from being runner-up to Luzineau, Antonopoulos was also the choice of the major sponsor Loo Chang Huat. During the preliminary competition called Mr. World Balance Top Model, he won Mr. Coron Hilltop and Mr. Gentrip Islands.

Rosko Dickinson is the current executive president of Manhunt International. He served as a judge in the 20th edition of the international male beauty pageant along with Miss Asia Pacific International 2018 Sharifa Akeel, 22, Binibining Pilipinas-International 2014 Bianca Guidotti, 30, and Manhunt International 2018 winner Vicent Llorach, 24, among others.