“Mr. World 2016” winner India’s Rohit Khandelwal flanked by first runner-up Fernando Álvarez (r) and second runner-up Aldo Esparza Ramírez at the beauty pageant in Southport, UK, July 19. Khandelwal has become the first Asian to do so. (Press Trust of India)

Rohit Khandelwal has become the first Indian to win the “Mr. World” title at the grand finale of the 2016 competition in the UK, defeating 46 contestants from across the globe. – #MrWorld2016 #RohitKhandelwal #Siliconeer @Siliconeer #NiveditaSaboo

Hyderabad boy, 26-year-old Khandelwal, who looked dapper in a tuxedo by designer Nivedita Saboo, received a cash prize of $50,000 on winning this celebrated title at the Southport Theatre and Convention Center in Southport.

The model-actor from Hyderabad defeated 46 contestants from across the globe to be crowned the first Indian winner.

“I still can’t believe that I have won the Mr World title.

Indian model and TV personality Rohit Khandelwal after winning the Mr. World 2016 beauty pageant in Southport, UK, July 19. (Press Trust of India)
Indian model and TV personality Rohit Khandelwal after winning the Mr. World 2016 beauty pageant in Southport, UK, July 19. (Press Trust of India)

Being the first Indian ever to win this title internationally makes me immensely proud and ecstatic. It’s a dream come true and am very thankful to the Miss India Organization for giving me this opportunity and guiding me throughout my exciting journey.

“My family, friends and my fans have been a constant support for me and this wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my well-wishers,” he said in a statement.

Mr. World 2014 Nicklas Pedersen passed on the title to the new winner.

Fernando Alvarez, 21, from Puerto Rico and Aldo Esparza Ramirez, 26, from Mexico were the first and second runners-up, respectively.

The event was hosted by Filipino Superstar and Miss World 2013 Megan Young alongside professional singer and former Mr. England Jordan Williams and Frankie Cena of Canada.

Khandelwal also competed for various sub-titles at the pageant like Mr. World Multimedia Award, Mr. World Talent, Mobstar People’s Choice Awards, Mr. World Sports Event and won the Mr. World Multimedia Award.