The day of the finals for the Mr. Costa Rica Sims 2010 finally arrived. The newly renovated interior Opera House, by builder extraordinaire Mike Denneny, was filled to the brim with the cream of the crop of Second Life's content creators, models, Costa Rica residents. To say lag was there is an understatement, but these days if you don't lag, your event didn't do so well. ;D

Giancarlo Takacs and our own Fly Littlebird took to the stage as hosts for this auspicious event with Samantha Ohrberg providing local chat. The audience were instructed to turn on voice and yes Giancarlo's voice is yummy. As more and more people arrived, the finalists prepped backstage ready to start the swimwear segment of the show.

The judges, Maddox Dupont, owner and CEO of MADesigns, MAD agency and KMADD City; Ms. Virtual World 2010, Miaa Rebane; LeLutka partner, Aradia Dielli; Owner of Moolto, Maxes Loon; Ms. Costa Rica Sims 2010, Nisa Constantine and BOSL & CO CEO, Frolic Mills.

At last the finalists were ready and took to the runway amongst much hooting and hollering, male and female. The swimwear, provided by Vitamen, was a uniform style; though several of the contests jazzed theirs up with accessories such as beautifully detailed necklaces or a casual towel thrown across their shoulders.

It was about this time I crashed for the first time, so I don't know if they obliged to the shouts of "take it off!". Somehow I think not. Regardless, they put on quite a show in their swimmers. After returning, more people rezzed and a few of the finalists that were ruthed to me, were finally back in their delectable shapes. At this point, Todd Anton was announced as the winner of Mr. Photogenic from the online poll at the Costa Rica sims website.

The votes consisted of unique visitors that comprised residents as well as friends of Costa Rica sims. Smiling and waving, Todd walked away with 3,000L. While the men changed into some casual wear, Giancarlo and Fly took the opportunity to go around the room, greeting familiar faces. This of course started a bit of friendly teasing and joking, but it put everyone in a light hearted spirit and the show rolled on. Please forgive me, fellow residents. I crashed again and when I got back, none of the casual wear provided by Alphamale, would load for me. I know! Don't shoot me please xD but judging from the catcalls, I'd say they were heart-stopping.

I learned later that the outfits consisted of a variety of colored checkered shirts, gray trousers, and slick black shoes. It was at this point that David Jupiter won for Mr. Congeniality, taking away 3,000L and many memories to cherish.

But on to the good stuff. Formalwear provided by Styles of Edo. All the gentlemen prepared for the grilling of the judges. Each contestant chose a judge who then asked a question. First up was Apollo Call, looking as handsome as the Sun God himself, stepped forward and addressed Miaa Rebane for his question; When was the last time you cried? And why?

Apollo shared the story of the tragic loss of his pet cat a year ago when it was hit by a car. Anyone who has lost a pet themselves knows this pain and it was wonderful for him to be so candid about it.

Next up was Caine ElCano. A charming and friendly man, Caine really stood out choosing to wear his suit sans dress shirt and a flower pinned to the lapel. He chose Ms. Aradia Dielli, who had only just returned from a horrid crash, asked; What difference would winning Mr. Costa Rica Sims 2010 make in your Second Life? Caine shared his views on community and friendship within Second Life, particularly as it exists in Costa Rica.

“I think my SL would be a richer more experienced place to be, I am imagining all the new friends I would make, new experiences I would have. To me, SL is about having fun and escaping to a world that you make your own....“

David Jupiter took to the runway next, choosing Maxes Loon. The question; Who is your SL hero or heroine and why? David named a lady by the name of Kaja Lurra of Sweden as his true inspiration.

“She showed that people are behind all these pixels, as well as opened my eyes to the wonderful creativity we all share here in Second Life. Her example has truly inspired me.”

Jaymz Pearl followed Mr. Congeniality onto the stage, cutting a fine figure in that suit, and selected Maddox DuPont for his quiry. The question; What experiences from your Second Life do you feel enrich your First Life? Jaymz cited imagination.

“I am pretty well established and comfortable in real life and when we get comfortable we can forget the things that help us get there. To be in Second Life a place where the sky is the limit and you can do anything imaginable. It has helped me to think and dream big, to not be satisfied with where I am and to always strive to better myself and reach higher goals.”

Leaving to much applause for that answer, Seth Diabolito stepped out next, choosing a question from Ms. Costa Rica Sims 2010, the incomparable Nisa Constantine. The question; Many people say that Second Life is just a game. Do you agree or disagree? Please explain your answer. Having spoken with Seth during our interviews, I knew the answer to this.

“While I respect those opinions, I disagree. Second Life is not a game. While we live, work and play in this virtual world, we are all real controlling these avatars. Real thoughts and real emotions go into our Second Lives. Also, as many here can probably attest, so much from RL goes into our own Second Lives and the converse is the same. So, for those reasons, I fully believe in SL as a virtual world in its truest form vs. game.”

An opinion shared by many and Seth waved, going off to thunderous applause for his answer. It was time then for Todd Anton to step into the spotlight and take a question from Ms. Virtual World 2010, Miaa Rebane. The question; Tell us something that will make us remember you.

“I will make you remember me as the guy who made you remember YOU. All of us here together are leading edge thinkers, creators and BE - ers... coming together for the joy of co-creating with one another here in the shared environment. It's my belief that SL stands as a testament to the way things should be in RL. It is a place that accepts and tolerates ALL people, races and nationalities -- be them man or beast.”

Couldn't have said it better myself :D. Finally it was time for Mr. Trevor Spore to take the stage. He chose Mr. Maxes Loon. Mr. Loon and Ms. Rebanne had a busy time of it LOL! The question; If you win this contest-how will you use your title to benefit other people in SL?

Trevor stated, “The appropriate answer would be to give peace another chance. But instead I will try to do good, help people wherever I can and be an example.” He finished this with an awesome inspiring “peace” animation to rounds of applause.

Finally it was time for the contestants to go backstage and await the final judgment. Yes, we all knew this moment would come. As they likely sat backstage pacing, Mr. Costa Rica Sims 2009, Bjorn Delphin took the stage and after promising not to give an hour long speech, I think it turned out to be half an hour actually, delivered his thanks and shared his happiness of reigning as Mr. Costa Rica Sims 2009. He said so many beautiful things and I feel it would be unfair not to post them, so please bear with me.

“I would like to start with congratulating the organizers of this fabulous event for presenting us once again with an amazing show. I have enjoyed it very much so far. And like all others present here at the moment, I’m dying to know who will become Mr. Costa Rica Sims 2010. Still I would like to take you all back one year from now.

"Although I wasn’t a neonate in Second Life, I recall having moved to this wonderful Sim only one month before the MR CR 2009 pageant. So it is fair to say I was new to Costa Rica Sims. In viewing the Sim’s messages, I got intrigued by a message calling for candidates to present themselves to compete for a Male Pageant. Competing for the title of Mr. Costa Rica Sims. If I could be considered new to the Costa Rica Community, it was only fair to say that Pageants or modeling was something I had never ever done before. Not In RL. Not in SL. But I saw it as an opportunity to get to know the Costa Rica Sims community and its inhabitants a little better. And make new friends.

"So I decided to put my name on the board so to speak. Ready for an exciting adventure I hoped. Little could I dream that this adventure would last a full year. Including another wonderful experience called the Mr. Virtual World Contest. I am sure that in all my inexperience and with all the questions I asked, I must have driven quite a few people on the verge of a nervous breakdown. In fact. If you do happen to see the odd grey hair between Clyde’s black hairs. I’m sure it was me who gave it to him when he thought me everything I now know about catwalks and modeling. Mr. Saunders. Clyde. Once again Thank you for all your patience and good advice. I hope I made you proud wherever I was invited to appear.

"I would also like to thank Giancarlo Takacs. Because without him there would not be a Costa Rica Sims. Hence there would not be a Mr. Costa Rica Pageant. Thank you GC for creating this all for us. For letting us be part of this experience. I hope I also made you proud last year. Furthermore I would like to thank my SL Partner Marc Montague for his support. I also wouldn’t stand here before you today without him.

"Next I would like to thank all my friends, old and new. And all the people who supported me during this last year. Naming all would take too much time. One I would not dare to forget mentioning here however is the CR Ladies Society. I love you all. Thanks for just being there.

"Last but not least I would like to say thanks to and remember absent friends. One of them being our beloved friend Miss Geko Stoop, who I’m sure would not have missed the occasion. We all do miss you.

"To the seven candidates: I wish you good luck. If you don’t get to be the winner today, cherish the experience in your hearts. To the winner: Congratulations! There are a million great experiences waiting for you. Enjoy these moments and make us proud in the Mr. VW contest. I thank you all.”

We love you Bjorn! Finally it was time for the decision! You really could hear a pin drop as the seven candidates entered the stage again, taking their positions. They all worked so hard to get to this point and everyone in the auditorium applauded their efforts. It was time to name the two finalists. They kept us in a bit of suspense until finally; Seth Diabolito and Todd Anton were named as the two remaining finalists.

It was now time to crown Mr. Costa Rica Sims 2010! The runner-up named would be responsible for assuming the duties and responsibilities if for some reason the winner could not. All the men were congratulated for their hard work and told that the scores were so very close. But as we know, there can only be one.

With bated breathed, it was announced... Todd Anton had won the title of Mr. Costa Rica Sims 2010! I think you could have knocked Todd over with a feather, poor boy was so shocked. As he was given his scepter and crown and got his faculties back, he took center stage and gave his thanks and appreciation for everyone.

“Thank you so much! Oh wow. I am overwhelmed right now. Truly, this is such a genuine honor, to be chosen from the company of these fantastic candidates -- gentlemen who I admire and respect. My association with the greenest country in the world -- Costa Rica -- which stands literally for Rich Coast -- is in alignment with my own appreciation of the beauty of our planet. As Mr Costa Rica 2010 I will represent this gorgeous country throughout all of 2nd Life -- reminding people of its beauty and relevance to both SL and RL. I want to thank Giancarlo, Clyde -- for his incredible eye for detail, and my Mickey -- and all of you for being here and making SL a FIRST RATE experience.”

Flashing of bulbs and much cheering amid congratulations from his fellow finalists, thanks to Giancarlo for again bringing a truly memorable and enjoyable experience to Costa Rica and thank you also to all of the designers who provided prizes and the outfits worn by the contestants. Alphamale, The Best of Second Life, Caithlin Carter Designs, Chantkare, Cigar Yachts, The Costa Rica Sims, Emery, Hollywood Gestures, Interazzo, Jeepers Creepers Shoes, Kal Rau, Loaq, Pure Design, Quantum Destiny, Styles of Edo and Vitamen. Here's wishing Mr. Costa Rica Sims 2010 Todd Anton a joyful and fun filled reign and have one of those chocolate covered strawberries for me. :D

Please visit our Flickr page to see more photos of this wonderful event!