He leverages his public platform to advocate for men's mental health, drawing from his own past struggles with anxiety and addiction. (Image: Facebook/ Mister Global )
Riley Hedstrom of the United States achieved a significant international milestone, being named the Third Runner-Up at the Mister Global 2025 competition in Thailand. At 29, the Minnesota native took the global stage for his country, with his rise to the pageant world shaped by his fight against adversity and his mental health advocacy.
Riley Hedstrom is a multifaceted individual whose identity extends far beyond the pageant stage. He is a 29-year-old model, data analyst, and dedicated mental health advocate from Minnesota. His recent success follows his prior national win as Mister America Global 2024, which earned him the right to compete internationally. Hedstrom is also engaged to CrossFit athlete Alec Smith, with the couple having announced their plans to start a family after the Mister Global pageant.
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Hedstrom's roots are firmly planted in Minnesota, where he was raised by his parents, Mike and Kay Hedstrom, alongside his two older brothers, Blake and Cody. He has faced several difficult obstacles along the way. He has openly talked about his struggles with alcoholism, drug use, and anxiety. After hitting “rock bottom,” Hedstrom decided to turn his life around and get help. That difficult period inspired him to start spreading awareness about mental health.
Hedstrom has a bachelor's degree in finance and mathematics and has established a profession as a data analyst. Simultaneously, he has achieved success in the fashion industry, walking and modeling at major events such as New York Fashion Week. With a bachelor’s in mathematics and finance, Hedstrom works professionally as a data analyst. He has also succeeded in fashion, modeling at prestigious shows like New York Fashion Week. Still, he is best known for his mental health advocacy.
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Hedstrom's pageant career served as a springboard for his advocacy. His journey began with winning the state title of Mister Minnesota USA 2024. He then captured the national crown as Mister America Global 2024. His reputation as a well-known representative of contemporary American masculinity was cemented when he advanced to the worldwide Mister Global 2025 level and placed third runner-up.
Disclaimer: The biographical details in this article are based on public interviews and statements made by Riley Hedstrom.
