2024 Judges

Tio Lelieveld

Tio’s interest in fetish and leather began as mere curiosity but evolved into a dedicated way of life. His passion for the Fetish scene fueled an enthusiasm for participating in both large-scale and intimate gatherings. It was at the Darklands event in Belgium that he experienced a sense of belonging within this community, discovering that the world of leather is more than just attire—it is a vibrant community that he experienced as a true homecoming.

Seeing a lack of scene-related activities in his home region of Den Bosch, The Netherlands, Tio took initiative with a close friend to found Fetish Social Brabant, a platform that unites people, introduces potential partners, and brings diverse groups together. Tio’s selection as Mister Leather Netherlands 2022 gave him a meaningful role in the community. He won second place in the Mister Leather Europe competition and competed with pride at the International Mister Leather contest.

Tio freely discusses his HIV status and educates on the topic where useful. Throughout his title year, he focused on fostering connections between the fetish and non-fetish realms with the support of his employer, the Dutch railways. Tio used interviews in local newspapers, TV, and radio programs to introduce the leather community to those who might only be familiar with leather attire through Amsterdam's Pride Canal Parade.

Since stepping down from his title, he has continued his involvement in the Motorsport Club Amsterdam (MSA) board, maintaining the helm of Fetish Social Brabant, and organizing the Mister Leather election in the Netherlands.

Tio eagerly anticipates what lies ahead, embracing opportunities as they cross his path. He is now preparing to judge the 2022 Mister Leather Israel contest in Tel Aviv on December 14.

John O’Brien

For two decades John has been an iconic figure in the Irish and European fetish community. John has been an active member, volunteer and ambassador for some of the oldest fetish clubs in Ireland. A welcome beacon for new and existing members at fetish club events in Dublin, he has organised second-hand markets to make affordable fetish gear available for those starting out on their fetish life journey, while helping clubs and charities in the process.

John organised and hosted successful fundraising virtual fun events for The Switchboard (an LGBTQ+ support group for Ireland) and trained volunteers about Fetish & BDSM issues.

John is currently Secretary for Leathermen of Ireland and is an organiser of Dublin Leather Weekend DLW.

John has judged at International Mr. Leather (IML), Mr. Leather Wales, Mr. Leather Europe, Mr. Leather Belgium, Mr. Leather UK, and Mr. Bear Ireland. He served as Tallymaster for Mr. Leather Belgium, Mr. Puppy Europe, Mr. Rubber Ireland, Evidence Fetishman in Nice, Mr. Leather Spain, and Mid-Atlantic Leather (MAL).

An event where John is present wouldn’t be an event without his ever-present camera, documenting for posterity all aspects of community engagement wherever he travels.

John has been a long-time friend of the Leather and Fetish Community and a goodwill ambassador for Irish Fetish. He looks forward to being a Judge for Mr. Leather Israel.

János Martényi

Mr Leather & Mr Fetish Spain 2017 from Barcelona is a leather & fist guy, born in Hungary and living more than half of his life in Spain. During his reign he founded the Spanish Leather & Fetish Club (SLFC), the first European fetish club inclusive of all gender and fetish. Is is now the largest leather & fetish club in Spain.

To bring the community together during the pandemic lockdown, he organized the World Fetish Show Contest online to bring the world community together. The biggest fetish event on the web in 2020 was watched by 44,000 people and continues to grow every year. The event now includes live performance at Darklands.

János also created the Fetish Film Festival, organizes the Spanish Fetish elections, and produces the Mr. Fetish Europe election. At International Mr. Leather (IML40) he was the first Spanish candidate to place in the top 20. He was on the jury for IML45.

To support the fetish community is his life, a world where everyone is equal and feels welcome.