Through fierce competition, three men battled their way to the top in CAB’s annual ULM Miss(ter) pageant, featuring Georgia State University.

Martin Solomon, a senior general studies major and first place winner, was happy to participate.

“I don’t know if I should feel weird or excited about winning. These fellas, or ladies, were pretty good so it’s nice to come out with a win,” Solomon said.

While mainly signing up for fun, and to boost Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity’s involvement on campus, Solomon was surprised to take home first place.

The pageant has become an annual homecoming event, always named for the opposing school.

This year’s GSU contestants bravely answered questions, performed a routine for the crowd and paraded in their evening wear and sportswear.

Students were allowed to join in the fun during breaks in the show, answering trivia questions for prizes.

The homecoming court judged the contestants, with the pageant hosted by Seth Hall and Miss ULM Kiersten Robertson.

Roslin Tapar, sophomore kinesiology major, attended the event after enjoying last year’s pageant.

“I came to see the sexy ladies. This is one event that everyone should go to, it’s hilarious. Maybe next year, I’ll participate,” Tapar said.

Freshman Robin McKellar, a pre-dental hygiene major, attended the event hoping for a night of fun.

“It’s my first year, and the pageant sounded really interesting. It seemed like it could only be funny, and I wasn’t disappointed,” McKellar said.

To prepare for the event, second runner up Marc Calhoun, a sophomore biology major, looked to the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.

“I had to be pretty for all the young men that attended. I competed for the money, and I walked away with something. I still have my pride,” Calhoun said.

First runner-up Rino Nicholas, senior professional pharmacy major, took a humble stance on the outcome of the pageant.

“I really wanted the cash prize and competing was really fun. Apparently the crowd thought I should have won but I’m happy with what I achieved,” Nicholas said.

Nicholas complimented his fellow contestants, insisting that they were “ratchet”, yet good competition.

“I came here to procrastinate and what better way to put off homework than to watch guys dress up and make fun of themselves,” said sophomore nursing major Courtney Stapleton.