Brisbane’s vibrant LGBTQIA+ community witnessed history as Come To Daddy, a beloved local venue, crowned its first drag king winner in the Key To The Kingdom competition. After six weeks of fierce performances, Stephan Lee Knott emerged victorious in a dazzling finale that celebrated diversity, talent, and community pride.
The contest brought together seven dynamic kings who competed across five categories. The grand finale saw Stephan take the stage alongside Himbo Jones, IAM, and Axis BBQ — each delivering memorable acts that wowed both judges and audience. In an emotional Instagram post, Stephan shared, “I am so lucky to have people who love me and love seeing me happy… it’s cloud 9 today for me.”
Come To Daddy’s owner, Billerwell Dayle, described the competition as a natural extension of the venue’s celebrated Daddy Pageant. Inspired by the incredible turnout and energy from local drag kings, Dayle launched Key To The Kingdom to give kings the platform they deserve. “I’ve always wanted to do something with the kings… this was a perfect way to kick that off,” he said.
Over six weeks, the competition drew crowds to the Brisbane bar, creating an electric atmosphere. Locals showed immense support for the kings, turning out in force to cheer them on. The final night delivered powerful performances, with Stephan’s reverse drag reveal capturing hearts and securing the title.
Billerwell reflected on the unforgettable night, praising the raw emotion Stephan brought to his winning act. “It was a stunning reverse drag reveal performance that solidified his place as King of Kings and the ultimate holder of the Key To The Kingdom,” he shared, highlighting the pride and joy felt throughout the venue.
