*  21 years or older as of September 1, 2023 

* To promote the Texas Bootblack contest locally, statewide, nationally, and/or internationally when possible
* To make a minimum of three (6) public appearances as the current Texas Bootblack at events (leather, fetish, or LGBTQ+) in the state of Texas during his title year
* To attend and assist in the next Austin Kink Weekend/Montrose Leather Pride
* To maintain good standing in the community by presenting themselves with integrity

Contestants will be scored on how well they represent themselves in their application, the judges’ interview, social events, pop question and formal presentation, and leather outfit. On stage, you will be judged with regard to stage presence, personality, their interpretation of leather, and grooming.

Speech and Formal Wear (100 Points)

Contestants will give a speech no longer than two minutes on a topic of their choice. The speech does not have to be about bootblacking. The Contestants will also be judged on their formal leather look during this time.

Personal Interview (100 Points)

Contestants will have a 20 minute personal interview where they will answer questions posed to them by the Judging panel. The questions may be about any aspect of bootblacking, leather history, BDSM, or personal questions about the contestant. Contestants are not required to have a ‘platform,’ but questions from the judges may include plans for the contestant’s title year if they were to win. The interview is open to the public. 

Technical Boot & Technical Presentation (150 Points)

Contestants will be presented with a pair of boots in used, but not dire condition. They should be full leather, lace up, military style, paratrooper jump / combat boots. The tech boot should not need major restoration, cobbling, or restoration. Boots will be assigned a random number, and contestants will draw which boot they will be working on. Contestants will have 45 minutes to complete their technical shine. You may not use open flame except to singe stray strings. The technical shine will take place during the cocktail hour on Friday Night at 6pm.

Contestants will give a brief presentation on their technical boot. They will discuss the process, products used, challenges faced and any other information they deem important. Contestants will have no more than 7 minutes for the presentation. This will be followed by a short technical Q&A from the judges. The presentation will take place directly before the personal Interview.

Pop Question (75 Points)

Contestants will answer a pop question on stage during the main contest. These questions may be serious or may be humorous. The question may or may not be related to bootblacking. Contestants will not be informed of the question before it is read on stage.

Stand Time (75 Points)

Contestants will have their stand time judged. Judges will evaluate technical skills, product choices, and other technical choices the contestants make throughout the weekend. Contestants will have stands set up and be blacking at the formal dinner to serve the public, and their judges.

Total Points Possible

500 Points per bootblack judge. 100 points for the Personal Interview scored by the Texas Bootblack contest Judges. Total points possible 2000. Must score 1400 points to win the title.

Scoring System

• There are five judges for the Texas Bootblack Contest
• The contest is scored using straight scoring. All judges scores are counted.
• Contestants must reach 70% to be awarded the title.
• In the rare event of a tie, the winner will be determined using only the scores from the following components: Speech, Personal Interview, and Technical Boot and Presentation.
• Scoring and Judges feedback will be made available to contestants within 60 days of the end of the contest.

Due Date: Sep 15th, 2023
All applications are due by midnight on September 15, 2023.

In consideration of this contest entry to the owners (Liberty Events, LLC) of the contest (Texas Bootblack), I waive and release its owners and producers from any and all demands, actions, and claims of injury or damage to my person, property, reputation, cost, expense, attorney’s fees, or penalties that may arise either now or in the future in connection with my appearance in the Texas Bootblack contest. I hereby grant permission to use my stage/scene name or real name (whichever is preferable) in connection with any publicity related to the Texas Bootblack. The owners retain ownership of the title insignia, sash and any other official equipment or clothing items expressly loaned for use during the title year and any items loaned must be surrendered to the Liberty Events, LLC upon request or at the end of the title year. The owner is not obligated to make restitution for any surrendered items. I agree to provide appropriate restitution for any loaned items that become damaged or lost due to my negligence.

By my electronic signature below, I hereby state that I have read and understand the above disclaimer.


I certify that:

All of the information that I have supplied on this application is true and correct;
I am 21 years-of-age or older;
I meet all of the qualifications specified in the attached contest requirements statement;
I agree to endeavor to meet all of the expectations of the contest in the attached expectations statement with the utmost integrity should I win;
I have read, signed, and attached the photographic release statement, and;
I have provided a photocopy of my driver’s license or passport showing my age and address to contest producers.