Mr. Reykjavík Bear Contest
As part of our fifth anniversary celebrations for our event, we will be electing the first ever Mr. Reykjavík Bear!
The titleholder of Mr. Reykjavík Bear will represent our bear community at local events in Iceland, and by attending other bear events worldwide throughout the 2025-2026 title year.
Think you have what it takes to wear the Mr. Reykjavík Bear sash? Please read the following and be sure to submit your application by 20 July!
The Mr. Reykjavík Bear Contest celebrates the diversity, confidence, and fellowship of the Bear community, both in Iceland and internationally. Our goal is to promote a positive and inclusive image of our local Bear culture, welcoming people of all backgrounds, including all races, religions, nationalities, sexual orientations, ages, body types, and abilities.
This contest is more than just a title—it’s an opportunity to represent and uplift the Bear community, fostering a sense of pride, visibility, and belonging.
By competing for the title of Mr. Reykjavík Bear, you are also committing to certain responsibilities. The winner will be expected to uphold the values of the contest and adhere to the Mr. Reykjavík Bear Code of Conduct. Failure to do so may result in corrective action to preserve the integrity of the title.
The winner of Mr. Reykjavík Bear 2025 will be expected to participate in a minimum of 4 events throughout their title year, including as a representative at Reykjavík Pride 2026, the step-up of Mr. Reykjavík Bear 2026, one local Bangsafélagið event, and one international event. The winner may also be asked to participate in media interviews and other outreach opportunities as a part of their title year. For the international event requirement, Bangsafélagið will aim to fundraise contributions for the winner’s travel fund as they represent our title.
We appreciate your enthusiasm and willingness to take part in this journey. Best of luck, and most importantly—have fun!
The Mr. Reykjavík Bear Contest is an event by and for the queer community. Contestants of all sexual orientations, body types, (dis)abilities, and gender expressions are welcome, provided they identify as part of the Bear community.
To be eligible, all contestants must meet the following requirements upon submitting their application:
- Contestants must be a member of Bangsafélagið (the Bears of Iceland). Contestants can join the organization at the event if not already a member.
- Contestants must be an Icelandic citizen or resident; or with demonstrated close ties/relations to Iceland
- In the event of a high number of applicants, the selection committee reserves the right to shortlist contestants based on the information provided in the application.
- Applications must be fully complete, including a clear face photo, and submitted by the 20th of July 2025 to be considered.
- Exceptions to any of the preceding criteria must be specified in the contestant’s application to be reviewed by the application committee.
Additionally, the contestant must fulfill requirements for the following, for which no exceptions will be made:
- Contestants must be at least 20 years of age.
- Contestants must sign and adhere to the Mr. Reykjavík Bear Code of Conduct and the photographic release form.
- Contestants must be willing to appear onstage wearing appropriate gear and perform in the talent portion of the contest.
The Mr. Reykjavík Bear Contest contestants will be judged in 5 categories, one of which is a pre-contest interview with a panel of judges, and 4 categories during the contest.
Interview and Pre-judging:
- Contestants will meet with the full panel of judges and respond to whatever questions are asked. This interview will take place in private (off-stage) prior to the start of the contest.
- Attire: Contestants should come dressed in comfortable, casual attire.
The 4 categories during the event are:
1. Casual Bear Look – Meet & Greet:
- As Mr. Reykjavík Bear, one of your key responsibilities will be to create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for event attendees. During the Meet & Greet, contestants will introduce themselves and mingle with guests in a casual setting.
- Attire: Wear whatever you would typically choose for an informal Bear-oriented event. Contestants will be judged on their ability to interact with guests and make everyone feel included—so be sure to engage with people beyond just those you already know!
2. Best of Bear Look:
- This look will happen when we introduce you to the stage of the Mr. Reykjavík Bear Contest!
- Attire: Contestants should wear whatever attire they think best exemplifies and represents themselves and the bear community at large. This could be a formal look, a unique take on bear flannel, formal leather wear, or something more creative!
3. Sexy Bear Look & Pop Questions:
- This is your official on-stage introduction! Each contestant will be introduced individually by the evening’s hosts.
- During this segment, contestants will also answer a “pop” question out of a bowl chosen at random by the hosts. You’ll be judged on your confidence onstage, your ability to think quickly, and to deliver a short, fun, and engaging response.
- Attire: Wear whatever makes you feel sexy and confident. The focus of this category is to confidently celebrate your Bear identity. Your outfit should highlight what makes you feel hot, sexy, and self-assured. Examples might include swimwear, gym wear, sports gear, fetish gear, or underwear—but feel free to get creative!
4. Talent Show:
- All contestants are expected to perform a talent as part of the Talent Show portion of the evening.
- All performances are strictly limited to 3 minutes maximum. We encourage you to be creative with your talent!
- Prior to the contest, you will need to communicate your proposed talent to the event organizers.
Final category: Best Representation for Yourself:
- This is your moment and how you’ll be presented to the world as the potential first Mr. Reykjavík Bear!
- Expected attire is how you would want to be remembered as the newly-crowned titleholder! Note: you will not be judged on this category.
As a representative of the Mr. Reykjavík Bear Contest and its sponsoring organization, Bangsafélagið, the titleholder carries certain duties and responsibilities. These include, but are not limited to:
- Adhering to all governing documents, including the organizational bylaws of Bangsafélagið and the Mr. Reykjavík Bear Contest.
- Treating fellow members, event attendees, and venue staff with respect at all times.
- Respecting the personal space and confidentiality of members, guests, and attendees of our events.
- Conducting oneself in a responsible and professional manner when representing the title and organization, ensuring behavior reflects positively on Bangsafélagið, its members, and event venues.
- Ensuring that any guest(s) of the titleholder attending events also conduct themselves in a way that upholds the reputation of the organization.
- Maintaining regular communication and remaining accessible to the event producer and Bangsafélagið Board President throughout the title year. For 2025, the event producer is Adam Zimmer, and the Board President is Sigurður Guðmundsson.
Inappropriate Behavior
The following behaviors are considered violations of the Mr. Reykjavík Bear Code of Conduct:
- Discrimination of any kind on whatever grounds, be it age, race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, religion or belief, disability, physical or mental conditions, political or other opinion, national or social origin, ethnicity, or any other status,
- Any form of harassment and abuse, be it physical, moral, professional or sexual, and any physical or mental injuries,
- Verbal, physical, or online abuse, fighting, or bullying in any form, including on social media,
- Disorderly conduct at organization and/or community functions,
- Posting confidential or inappropriate information about Bangsafélagið or its events on social media,
- Making public statements and/or comments that go against the values of Bangsafélagið.
- Repeated failure to attend pre-agreed upon events without prior communication,
- Representing Bangsafélagið and/or the Mr. Reykjavík Bear title without permission from the Bangsafélagið Board,
- Using the Bangsafélagið name and/or the Mr. Reykjavík Bear title for personal financial gain.
Consequences of Violation
Violating this Code of Conduct may result in removal of the title. If the producer(s) revoke the title, the individual must surrender all Mr. Reykjavík Bear materials, including but not limited to sashes, patches/pins, and any awards received.
Ready to become the first ever Mr. Reykjavík Bear? Fill up the form below.
Application deadline: 20th of July 2025.