EPCC Nursing Student to Represent U.S. at Mister Universe International
Photo courtesy of El Paso Community College
El Paso Community College nursing student Daniel Dominguez will represent the United States at Mister Universe International USA 2026 in Panama this November after winning a casting call.
The 10th Mister Universe International 2026 is scheduled for Nov. 1-9 in Panama, with 46 candidates representing countries across five continents. Dominguez will compete in the adult division after winning the teen international title at Mister Teen Universe International in Panama in 2024.
EPCC profiled Dominguez in 2024, highlighting his path from a former Americas High School football player who faced bullying, learning challenges and the death of his brother. After graduating from high school, he lost more than 60 pounds, going from 229 to 167 pounds in approximately three months.
That experience helped inspire Dominguez’s career in fitness and health advocacy. He became a personal trainer and later earned recognition as El Paso Top Model and Audi of El Paso Male Model of the Year. He has appeared in fashion events across the Southwest.
Dominguez continues to study nursing at EPCC while working for a home healthcare provider in his spare time. He hopes to use his platform to promote healthier lifestyles, combat obesity and support elderly and medically vulnerable populations.
“When I walk onto that stage wearing USA across my chest, I will also be carrying El Paso with me,” Dominguez said. “Everything I have gone through has prepared me for this moment.”
His father, Juan Carlos Dominguez Sr., said Daniel’s accomplishments are meaningful because of the obstacles he has overcome. Dominguez has also received recognition from the Texas House of Representatives for his 2024 title and achievements in modeling, fitness and education.
To read EPCC’s 2024 profile, visit the college’s online article.