Personal trainer, model, and social influencer Philip Fusco sat down and chatted with #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos about the 2024 Mister USA competition at Burgerology USA in Midtown.
2024 Mister USA
Mister USA is an American beauty pageant, which is held annually, and the winner goes on to represent the United States in the Mister Universe competition. It is a celebration of culture, diversity, beauty, intelligence and empowerment.
Philip Fusco represented the state of New Hampshire. Mister USA believes in the power of young leaders to make a difference in the world. It is not solely about outer beauty; it recognizes the inner beauty and intelligence of their contestants.
The Mister USA finals were held on August 31st at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, California.
“The Mister USA pageant was so much fun,” Fusco admitted. “It was over a week of lots of training and an amazing time. The camaraderie that I had with the people that put this show together and all the contestants was fantastic. I’ve made best friends all around the United States.”
“In the beginning, I thought I would have some trouble with the choreographed dance to the Coldplay and BTS song ‘My Universe’ but by the end, I got it really well. That is one of my favorite parts… learning something that I didn’t think I would be able to do, and actually getting it by the end.”
“My favorite part was the brotherhood that I made with all the other workers, contestants, judges, and the staff there. It was so much fun,” he added.
Philip Fusco: A winner of two awards at this year’s inaugural pageant
Fusco took home two awards at this year’s Mister USA pageant: the “America’s Fan Favorite” Award and the “Influencer Award.” “These two awards felt amazing,” he exclaimed. “If you watch the footage, I got a little emotional and teary.”
“The first award was ‘America’s Choice,’ which felt fantastic because America wanted me to win that award,” he said. “When I was nominated and won that award, it was an incredible and euphoric feeling, and I couldn’t have been more thankful to my fans, followers, friends, and family were all voting for me, and made sure that I came out on top for that award. It was such a good feeling.”
“The ‘Influencer Award’ was cool too, especially knowing that my social media had such an impact that I can really deliver the message of my advocacy properly,” he added.
New York Fashion Week
Recently, Fusco was a part of New York Fashion Week. “That was amazing. I’ve done Fashion Week for a couple of years, and it was such a euphoric feeling to walk the runway. This time, I opened and closed the show at the Hard Rock Hotel in Times Square, which was super cool. I enjoyed it,” he said.
Advice he would give to his younger self
Fusco shared the advice that he would give his younger self. “To never give up,” he said. “I know I say that a lot, but a lot of people will strive to achieve a goal, but they will not get to the goal line immediately. It will take time and perseverance. I never gave up. If I was able to go back in time, I would tell my younger self to not waste time thinking about giving up… and to just keep pushing because you will get to your goal.”
Philip Fusco on Burgerology USA
When asked what he would like to try at Burgerology USA in the heart of New York City, Fusco responded, “Definitely a hamburger (Classic Burger), and I am big sucker for the German-style pretzels with mustard. “The food, especially the Classic Burger, was absolutely incredible,” he exclaimed.
Message for his fans and supporters
For his fans and supporters, Fusco remarked, “To my fans, supporters, and friends that have followed me through this Mister USA journey, thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
“Thank you, a million times, for supporting me and for making sure that I won, and for voting for me, and for being so amazing and uplifting in my life,” he concluded.
To learn more about Philip Fusco, follow him on Instagram.
