Today
Who Was Crowned First-Ever “King of Drag”?
READ TIME: 3 MIN.
****BEWARE - SPOILERS BELOW****
History was made on July 28, 2025, when acclaimed drag king Murray Hill and streaming platform Revry crowned King Molasses as the first-ever winner of “King of Drag” in a spectacular and emotional grand finale that has sent ripples through the LGBTQ+ community and beyond . The event not only celebrated a new champion but also highlighted the growing recognition for drag kings in mainstream media.
Launched in June 2025, “King of Drag” is a trailblazing reality competition series hosted by Murray Hill, a legendary figure in drag and LGBTQ+ entertainment . Unlike its predecessors, the series is dedicated exclusively to drag kings—performance artists who use masculinity, parody, and theatricality in their acts. The show features eight diverse contestants competing across six episodes, with the aim of crowning the first “King of Drag” .
Casting was intentionally inclusive: open to individuals of all ages, ethnicities, gender identities, and styles of drag—including transmasculine people, cisgender women, and non-binary performers . Judged by a panel of drag luminaries—Gottmik, Sasha Velour, Tenderoni, Wang Newton—and Revry co-founder Damian Pelliccione, the show also welcomed special guest judges to further spotlight drag king artistry .
From the outset, King Molasses emerged as a frontrunner by winning two major challenges in the first weeks of the competition and impressing judges with a standout horror-themed performance in week three . Despite landing in the bottom during the latter episodes, King Molasses’ resilience and creativity shone in the finale.
The climactic episode saw the final three—Henlo Bullfrog, Dick Von Dyke, and King Molasses—battle for the crown. After Henlo Bullfrog was eliminated, Dick Von Dyke and King Molasses delivered electrifying lip-sync performances to “KING” by Frankie Simone, leaving the judges with a difficult decision . Ultimately, King Molasses’ artistry and stage presence earned them the coveted title.
The grand finale was more than a competition; it was a celebration of drag king culture and a powerful affirmation of the diversity within drag performance . Audience members and fans across social media hailed the event for its emotional resonance and cultural impact, with many noting the joy and pride radiating from both contestants and judges .
In a post-finale interview, King Molasses expressed hope that their win—and the show as a whole—would elevate the visibility and credibility of drag kings in entertainment: “This is so much bigger than me. I hope this inspires more spaces and shows for drag kings and everyone doing drag, regardless of gender,” they told Entertainment Weekly .
The importance of “King of Drag” extends far beyond the stage. For years, drag kings have been significantly underrepresented in mainstream media, with most drag competitions focusing on queens. This series marks a turning point, providing a national and international platform for drag kings to showcase their unique talents and perspectives .
Murray Hill, the show’s host and an advocate for inclusivity, reflected on the journey: “The love, artistry, and dedication these kings brought to the stage is something the world needs to see. We’re not just making history—we’re changing the culture,” Hill said during the finale .
Social media reactions and community watch parties echoed this sentiment, with hashtags like #KingOfDragFinale and #DragKingTakeover trending across platforms as fans celebrated the achievements and visibility of the drag king community .
With King Molasses crowned and “King of Drag” making headlines, advocates hope this signals a broader shift towards greater inclusivity in both LGBTQ+ media and pop culture at large. Revry has yet to confirm a second season, but the overwhelming success of the first suggests that drag king artistry will continue to command the spotlight .
As King Molasses takes their well-earned victory lap, the message is clear: the world of drag is bigger, bolder, and more inclusive than ever before.
