CURRENT MR. EAGLE NYC

Tony Lance Champ

Tony Lance “Champ”

Mr. Eagle NYC 2026

Originally from Asheville, NC, Champ has been part of New York City’s nightlife scene since 2007 and a regular at The Eagle NYC, one of the city’s most iconic gay leather bars and nightlife venues, since 2012. In 2023, he co-founded INTO?, The Eagle NYC’s monthly leather and fetish gear night, now a standout event in NYC’s fetish nightlife community. More than a party, INTO? has grown into a movement expanding what queer nightlife can be, championing inclusivity, community engagement, and activism while creating a safer, more resilient space for connection and self-expression.

During his title year, Champ is focused on strengthening engagement across NYC’s leather and LGBTQ+ nightlife scene, leading fundraising and activism initiatives, building partnerships with NYC Health to advance sexual health awareness, and supporting mentorship and education within the leather community. He also prioritizes consistent visibility and representation for Bootblacks at The Eagle NYC through regularly scheduled events.

Since October 2025, Champ has helped raise over $19,500 through events at The Eagle NYC, including raffles, Jell-O shots, movie screenings, and community-driven fundraising efforts. These initiatives have supported organizations such as SAGE, Cycle for the Cause benefiting The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center, Hands Off NYC, and TransLatinx Network (explore more on our Links page). His work reflects a strong commitment to LGBTQ+ fundraising, HIV/AIDS advocacy, trans equity, and community-based activism in New York City.

Champ is an active presence in the global leather and fetish community, regularly attending major events including Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend, International Mr. Leather/Bootblack, Darklands, Folsom Europe, Folsom East, Dore/Up Your Alley, CLAW, and BLUF gatherings across the U.S. and Canada.

When he’s not at The Eagle NYC, Champ works as a nonprofit and commercial arts management executive. He remains engaged with New York City’s arts and culture scene through symphony performances, theater, and event production. Outside the city, he spends time volunteering, raising chickens, and restoring a 100-year-old cottage in the Catskills.