The Daily Gamecock

PHOTO: 'Performative male' contest comes to USC

On Sept. 20, 2025, a group of people gathered on the horseshoe to compete in USC's Performative Male Contest. Twenty-two contestants put forward their best foot with their Labubus, tote bags and matcha, despite the inclement weather. The event was organized by third-year supply chain operations and management student Morgan Thomas, who was inspired by similar events on social media. After rounds of competing, first-year jazz studies major Santi Balagtas was crowned winner of the event.

Contestants Santi Balagtas, a first-year jazz studies student (left) and second-year vocal performance student Peyton Kakouras  (right) sing “Fly Me to the Moon” by Frank Sinatra together at the Performative Male Contest on Sept. 20, 2025.
Contestants Santi Balagtas, a first-year jazz studies student (left) and second-year vocal performance student Peyton Kakouras  (right) sing “Fly Me to the Moon” by Frank Sinatra together at the Performative Male Contest on Sept. 20, 2025.
All the contestants in the Performative Male Contest bring various items with them to present to the audience. Here, a competitor displays a book with the title “We Should All Be Feminists”.
All the contestants in the Performative Male Contest bring various items with them to present to the audience. Here, a competitor displays a book with the title “We Should All Be Feminists”.
One of the contestants in the Performative Male Contest plays a song by Laufey on his electric guitar. The audience and his fellow contestants sing along as he plays.
One of the contestants in the Performative Male Contest plays a song by Laufey on his electric guitar. The audience and his fellow contestants sing along as he plays.
One of the students who participated in the Performative Male Contest, Santi, presents his vinyl records to the audience. Many people came to the Horseshoe on Sept. 20, 2025, to watch his performance along with the other competitors’.
One of the students who participated in the Performative Male Contest, Santi, presents his vinyl records to the audience. Many people came to the Horseshoe on Sept. 20, 2025, to watch his performance along with the other competitors’.
A contestant in the Performative Male Contest, presents a drawing as part of his presentation. He is one of many students who are competing in the event.
A contestant in the Performative Male Contest, presents a drawing as part of his presentation. He is one of many students who are competing in the event.
A contestant in the Performative Male Contest, plays a song on his acoustic guitar to the audience. He competed along with many others at the Horseshoe on Sept. 20, 2025.
A contestant in the Performative Male Contest, plays a song on his acoustic guitar to the audience. He competed along with many others at the Horseshoe on Sept. 20, 2025.
First-year art studio student Stella Drill, a competitor in the Performative Male Contest, discusses one of the books she brought. Students came to watch her and many others compete at the Horseshoe on Sept. 20, 2025.
First-year art studio student Stella Drill, a competitor in the Performative Male Contest, discusses one of the books she brought. Students came to watch her and many others compete at the Horseshoe on Sept. 20, 2025.
The crowd flocks around first-year jazz studies student Santi Balagtas as he is declared the winner of the Performative Male Contest. This event was organized by third-year supply chain operations student Morgan Thomas, and it was held at the Horseshoe on Sept. 20, 2025.
The crowd flocks around first-year jazz studies student Santi Balagtas as he is declared the winner of the Performative Male Contest. This event was organized by third-year supply chain operations student Morgan Thomas, and it was held at the Horseshoe on Sept. 20, 2025.