Mr Tahiti 2018

By Are Raimbault

Every year ten, handsome Tahitian men compete for the hearts & votes of French Polynesia and the title of MR TAHITI. The pageant is always a big hit in Tahiti with the show taking place at the Le Meridien Resort.

It's the premier male beauty pageant in Tahiti and has been running for more than twenty years. The Mr Tahiti winner receives sponsored gifts & is appointed Tahiti's ambassador representing the country in culture & image along with Miss Tahiti for a whole year.

Following an intense social media campaign where each challenger works at gathering an online following, they then walk the catwalk in different categories surf wear, swim wear, traditional costume and evening wear.
They are also required to showcase their talent.
Mr Tahiti is elected by the public through texting and a jury made up of beauty pageant specialists & sponsors.

Moya B, a member of the committee tells us "This year we decided to go for the theme of the Ocean. We took the candidates out in nature in order to promote environmental awareness among the young public that follows the pageant. Of course a healthy mind in a healthy body are required to become Mister Tahiti but the most important part is the human values".

The pageant is also a great opportunity for local creators to express their artistry and showcase their work during the very anticipated traditional costume catwalk. Each year the level of details and attention put into the pieces seem to get closer to "Haute Couture" as demonstrated by the night's shark/warrior inspired best costume that was awarded to the famous tahitian designer Christopher Prenat.

The show's producer Alexandre Taliercio says "The competition is a true reflection of today's Polynesia as it has a lot of beautiful ethnic mixing and the guys come from very different social backgrounds."

After an amazing show, Tamahei Pahoeani was crowned Mr Tahiti 2018.
He told us right after the announcement "It's a mix of emotions of joy and stress at the same time. It's weird! I really didn't expect this victory as we were all handsome and qualified for the title. I would like to use this platform to bring awareness to the protection of our lagoon and nature. We are lucky enough to still have a beautiful Fenua and we should protect it, not only for ourselves but also for the future generations"