On October 7, at the Eagle NYC bar in Chelsea, Joseph Macchia was selected by a panel of five judges to be Mr. Eagle NYC Leather 2018, besting five other contenders. Macchia, 44, is well known in the cabaret world, as a booker of talent, and is a cancer survivor. In his speech to the crowd assembled at the Eagle, Macchia talked of his growth and achieving confidence, since his earlier try for the title, and also spoke about his work with children with AIDS and HIV. The first runner up was Johnny Quesada and the second runner up was Dwayne Townsend. The other contestants were Mike Chapman, Damien Basile, and Dax Volpe.
Vern Stewart was the contest coordinator; Mr. Eagle NYC 2004 Brian Kent was the MC, Mr. Drummer North America 2015 Doc Hoskins was Den Daddy, Mr. Eagle NYC 2006 Christophe André was Tally Master, and Susan Weinstein served as ASL Interpreter. Judges were Mr. Eagle NYC 2017 John-John Punki—stepping down that night, sashing Macchia, and calling for a moment of silence in memory of those lost in recent hurricanes, earthquakes, and so on—joining Mr. D.C. Eagle 2017 Kevin Clanton; Mr. Connecticut Leather 2005 George Peet; Mr. Maryland Drummer 2001 Rodney Lee Burger; and Mr. Fire Island Leather 2001, this writer. The evening began with Ted Hayes singing the Star Spangled Banner a cappella.
Contestants were judged on interview by the judges; introduction in bar/cruise wear; appearance in jockstrap, with Q & A; and final speech, given in formal/dress leather. During the evening, members of Team Eagle, Cycling Against HIV & AIDS, made a presentation to Eagle owners Derek and Robert. The new Mr. Eagle NYC Leather 2018 is expected to represent the bar at the International Mr. Leather contest in Chicago during Memorial Day Weekend 2018.