Longest-running drag king competition
- Who
- San Francisco Drag King Contest
- What
- 28 year(s)
- Where
- United States (San Francisco)
- When
- 08 September 2024
The longest-running drag king competition is the San Francisco Drag King Contest (USA), which has been held annually (with the exception of 1995–96 and 2020) at various nightclubs in San Francisco, California, USA, since 1994. The most recent edition (28th) was staged on 8 September 2024 and Papi Churro was named Drag King of the Year.
The contest has been produced by Lu Read (aka Fudgie ***) since 1997; Fudgie has hosted the event with Sister Roma since 2009. Reflecting on the development of the annual celebration, Read told GWR: “When the event first started, there weren't as many kings doing drag, so we had to lure contestants by having categories like Best Rocker, Best Dandy and Best Nerd. Now that kings are plentiful, we no longer need to do that, though the contest does have themes. The contest has grown to where we stream the event online and we have added a 'lip-synch for your life' element to incorporate more participants.”
Annual traditions include the previous year's winner performs a stepping down number and an appearance by a special celebrity guest. The judges assess the kings on their talent, makeup, costume, stage presence, concept and execution. Each year, the winner receives a crown and prizes from the event’s sponsors, such as professional makeup kits, tickets to drag productions, costume enhancements, pet products and flowers.
The contest wasn’t held in 1995–96 and 2020, and it took place virtually in 2021, the latter two times owing to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
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