MIR truly lived up to its “International” title when Yannick Kerjose won the contest. He was a clear winner from the moment he came out during the wet rubber competition, with his boot filled with water and danced sensually for the crowd. With Kerjose being able to get to tour more of Europe than any winner before, the opportunity for other rubbermen to become aware of the competition increased.
2002
Seven men were vied for the title on a new stage setting, designed to resemble a locker room (complete with shower) and hosted by Khris Francis. Yannick Kerjose came on stage to give his farewell speech, and afterward Chicagoan William “Rubberwilli” Schendel, stood front and center to accept the sash at night’s end. First runnerup was John Reddy of Alexandria, Virginia and second runner-up was Elmar Koeller of Marpingen, Germany.
2003
A lot of changes were being made in 2003 when MIR 2004 was won by Las Vegas’ Chris Vincent. Both runners-up that year were international contestants; Mr. Rubber Italy, Andrea Pannucci and David Peachey, from Sydney.
2004
On Saturday November 13, in front of over 200 cheering spectators, Frank “Bug” Buog from Otterstadt, Germany headed the first international sweep at the MIR 2005 Contest. Buog was also the first to hold the Mr. RubClub title, Germany’s first ever gay men’s rubber contest. International entries arrived from all over the globe. David McLay from Montreal, Canada was first runner-up and “Rubber Matt” Matthew Grevink from Sydney, Australia was second runner-up.
2005
A new host ventured forth to host the ninth Rubber Blow-out Weekend. Jinx Titanic played fast and loose with the crowd, getting more and more wild as the evening continued. Crowd favorite Michael 22 boi
Schneider, Mr. Rubclub 2005, was named MIR 2006, the second German in a row to hold the title. Schneider used his title as a method of spread the good word about rubber across Europe. Alan Stroik, Mr. West Coast Rubber was first runner-up.
2006
Circuit Night Club was the contest venue for the tenth anniversary. The expanded contest included an opening Wet Rubber Competition at the CellBlock on Saturday night, with the final contest taking place on Sunday afternoon. Additional scoring categories, including a first ever audience vote and the first appearance of the “mystery bag” were added to the competition. With the contest expanded to a two night show, it was Mr. Rubber Italia 2006 Maurizio flying home with the title. First runner-up was Frenchman Eric from Paris, and Canadian Frank made his appearance as the first Mr. Rubber Montreal and finished as second runner-up. The 2006 host was Eddie Hibbs; aka Sister Erotica Psychotica of the Los Angeles Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Epilogue: In 2008 Mr International Rubber was purchased by MIR Contest, LLC. Under the guidance of two leaders in the rubber community, this new organization allowed MIR to stand on its own two feet, inedpendent of any bar or sponsorship. In the years since, the weekend has seen significant growth in all aspects. All the principals from the past and present are excited to see where MIR will go in the future.. The history was written in 2006 as part of the tenth anniversary of the event. An update to this history will be released following the 2011 event.