Shane O’Brien of Virginia chatted about his runner-up win in the 2025 Mister USA competition (right behind Mikey Chadwick of West Virginia).
Author Roy T. Bennett once said: “Learn to light a candle in the darkest moments of someone’s life. Be the light that helps others see; it is what gives life its deepest significance.” Shane O’Brien embodies this wise quote.
2025 Mister USA Finals
Mister USA is an American beauty pageant, which is held each year, 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. They believe 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 2025 Mister USA finals took place on August 30th at The Montalban Theater in Hollywood, and Loews Hollywood Hotel served as the host hotel; both venues made the experience great for all involved.
Moving on to the Mr. World competition
O’Brien will go on to represent the United States in the Mr. World USA stage. “My heart is so full of joy, gratitude and happiness,” he exclaimed. “I try felt like a winner before the previous night because I would be walking away from this experience with over 20+ lifelong friends.”
“I am honestly speechless about my time in Los Angeles, and the overall experience there,” he recalled. “All the guys were deserving of a title, and they would be phenomenal at being a great representation of this beautiful country in the global stage.”
As the runner-up of Mister USA and as he goes on to rep our country in Mr. World, O’Brien wants to represent a message of inclusivity.
Praising his fellow competitors
O’Brien praised his fellow competitors for being “caring and kind.” “I hope I can stay in contact with them because they truly inspire me to be better,” he said. “I hope I can do the same for them because that is what it’s all about.”
Shane takes cues from his older brother Josef O’Brien
He also complimented his older brother, Josef O’Brien (who finished in 3rd place last year and went on to rep America in the Mister International USA). “Josef certainly had a big influence on my performance,” he admitted. “Josef taught me everything he knows about the pageantry world, especially in the beginning when I was an outsider.”
“The best advice that Josef gave me was to be myself and go up there and do my best and be natural,” he noted.
Success
O’Brien quotes success with perseverance, working hard, and being relentless (to keep going).
To learn more about Shane O’Brien, follow him on Instagram.
