Lyubomir Kodikov
Bulgaria
The 2nd Runner up – Mister Bear International 2026
I’m originally from Bulgaria and currently living in Thailand. I’ve always been someone who enjoys meeting people from different cultures, traveling, food, and creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere around me. Over the years I’ve learned to become more confident in myself and more comfortable showing who I really am. I’m also passionate about self-improvement, health, and building a positive mindset while still embracing who I am today.
What inspired you to join Mr Bear?
What inspired me most was the sense of community. The bear community often celebrates authenticity, kindness, confidence, and body positivity in a way that many people do not experience elsewhere. I wanted to challenge myself, meet amazing people, and be part of something that encourages people to feel proud of themselves exactly as they are.
What has been the highlight of your journey in Mr Bear so far?
The biggest highlight has been the connections with people. It’s inspiring to meet individuals from different backgrounds who support each other and celebrate diversity. I’ve also enjoyed stepping outside my comfort zone and realizing that confidence is not about being perfect — it’s about being genuine.
Have you ever been bullied because of how you look?
Can you tell us about this, and how you have overcome that?
Yes, like many people, I have experienced judgment because of my appearance and body. I was also bullied at times because of my social background and coming from a poor family. Those experiences were painful and sometimes affected my confidence growing up.
But I never allowed them to stop me from fighting for a better life and believing in myself. Over time, I learned that my value is not defined by my body, my financial background, or other people’s opinions. Those challenges made me stronger, more understanding toward others, and more motivated to keep growing as a person.
Today, I try to encourage people to be proud of who they are and to never feel ashamed of where they come from.
Tell us why you think it is important to have Mr Bear?
I think Mr Bear is important because representation matters. It gives visibility to people who may not always feel represented in mainstream beauty standards. It creates a space where confidence, personality, kindness, and authenticity are celebrated just as much as appearance. Events like this help build community and remind people that everyone deserves to feel seen and appreciated.
Do you have any advice you’d like to give to anyone who may want to join the competition next year and how they can prepare for it?
Be yourself and don’t try to fit into someone else’s idea of what you should be. Confidence grows when you accept yourself instead of comparing yourself to others. Prepare by working on your mindset, meeting people in the community, and enjoying the experience rather than stressing about competition. The most memorable people are usually the most authentic ones.
Anything else you would like to share?
I would like to thank everyone involved in organizing and supporting the event. Spaces that celebrate diversity and body positivity truly make a difference for many people. I hope more people continue to join, support each other, and help create a welcoming community for everyone.
