My bets were Renato, Libio and Walfred. It is unbelievable that Libio was not included in the Top 5. For the Press, many fans and public, the top contenders for the Mister Venezuela title were Libio and Renato. Of course, there were a lots of comments about his no inclusion in the top 5 on social media.
Libio and Walfred tried in 2014 and 2015 but they couldn't make the final cut; apparently, in that time, Osmel was not satisfied with Libio's body (he was a Bodybuilding National Champion) and with Walfred's shyness, communication skills and body. They got a better preparation and worked hard for their goal to take part in the Mister Venezuela pageant and finally this year they became official candidates.
In 2014, Libio competed in the Mister Universo Venezuela pageant, alongside Rafael Oropeza (Top 5 Mister Venezuela 2015 & semifinalist Mister Universo Venezuela 2014) and Jeudiel Condado (2015 Mister Venezuela candidate & 2nd Place Mister Universo Venezuela 2014) and was awarded with the 2014 Mister Universo Inter Venezuela title (3rd Place) after he was considered by the Press, fans and public as the top favourite. Some months later, he resigned to the title due to problems with the organization. Christian Nunes (Winner of the 2014 Mister Universo Venezuela pageant) was a Mister Venezuela pre-candidate this year but couldn't make the final cut. By the way, Gustavo Acevedo and Raúl Ramirez took part in the 2015 edition of the same pageant.
For this edition, Walfred changed his manager and coach and signed to Raenrra.
However, there were a lot of rumours about Libio during the competition. It was said that Libio was late to several appointments, rehearsals and classes. And you know that it is terrible for Osmel and the MVO both for the Mr Venezuela and Miss Venezuela candidates. However, some others said that it was a campaign of negative comments about Libio spread by other candidates' teams. The same happened to other candidates, like Walfred, Ignacio, José Luis Trujillo and even Renato. What really happened and why? Osmel, the MVO, Libio and his manager only know. For me, such Libio's behavior is unbelievable after he has worked hard to be included in the Mister Venezuela pageant several times.
According to Libio, Renato was his best friend during the competition.
By other side, according to several members of the MVO, Renato has "a face to die", he was one of the most disciplined, natural, friendly, mature (despite his young age) and easy going candidates. Additionally, his performance during the talent tryouts was very good and he is a Swimming National Champion. Renato's handicaps were his age and the fact that Gabriel Correa, Mister Venezuela 2015, belongs to the same manager's team, Sergio Duarte, who at the same time is the manager of Andrea Rosales, Miss Venezuela Tierra 2015.