Las Vegas knows how to throw an awards show—sparkle, spectacle, a little chaos, and the kind of crowd that treats a red carpet like a runway and a reunion all at once. On Thursday, January 22, 2026, the city adds another marquee night to the calendar when the GayVN Awards return to Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, with a hosting trio designed to keep the pace quick, the room loud, and the punchlines landing.
AVN Media Network has named Alec Mapa as the event’s comedic host, joining Drake Von and Tony Genius, who were previously announced as co-hosts for what AVN calls “gay porn’s biggest night.” The show is set to begin at 9:30 p.m. PST, and it will recognize more than 30 winners across multiple categories, including fan-voted awards—a reminder that, yes, the community watching at home (and on their phones) still gets a say in who’s taking home hardware.
Mapa’s appointment feels less like a new hire and more like a homecoming. AVN frames this as his 10th time in the hosting mix, noting that his humor has been part of the GayVN DNA since 2009. And if you’ve ever seen Mapa work a room—whether onstage, on screen, or in the kind of sharp, audience-savvy set that leaves people howling—you already understand why this is a smart match for Vegas. AVN points to his recent guest appearance on Frasier and his New York stand-up show, “Ha! Penis!”, as proof he’s not just ready for the moment—he’s been touring in it.
Mapa, for his part, doesn’t play coy about what makes the GayVNs different. He calls it his favorite awards show and describes the event as a “shame-free zone,” celebrating queer sensuality and expression in a welcoming space. That framing matters—especially now, when queer culture is constantly being asked to justify itself, sanitize itself, or squeeze itself into someone else’s comfort level. The GayVNs are unapologetically what they are: a celebration of performers, creativity, fandom, and a community that knows how to build its own spotlight.
That spotlight will be shared by two of the industry’s most visible newer-era stars. Drake Von and Tony Genius—both of whom started their careers in 2021, according to AVN—represent the modern adult entertainment ecosystem: social-forward, brand-aware, and built as much on personality as on performance. AVN notes that Von’s rise included building a significant online following and eventually signing as an exclusive with Men.com, while also maintaining a major presence on subscription platforms. The article also highlights Von’s recent awards momentum, including multiple GayVN wins in recent ceremonies.
Genius brings a different kind of stage muscle—one rooted in comedy and live performance. AVN describes his background in improv, including experience with The Second City in Chicago, and notes appearances in comedy projects like an Upright Citizens Brigade sketch show. He’s also no stranger to hosting duties, with AVN mentioning his role co-hosting the Grabby Awards in the past. If Von brings the polish of a breakout headliner, Genius brings the “I can save this moment if the teleprompter catches fire” confidence that live awards shows always secretly need.
The chemistry between the co-hosts isn’t manufactured, either. Genius recounts meeting Von at the awards during the event’s return to an in-person format and the two walking the red carpet together—an origin story that practically writes the opening skit for them. That “full-circle” energy becomes the vibe: two performers who came up at the same time, now fronting the biggest night of the year, with a veteran comic alongside them to keep things fast, fearless, and fun.
AVN CEO Tony Rios describes the team as a high-class, high-style combination and promises a night that keeps the audience engaged. Translation for Vegas: expect costume changes, scripted bits, a few surprises, and the kind of room where glamour isn’t a dress code—it’s a competitive sport.
For Las Vegas, hosting the GayVN Awards at Virgin Hotels is another reminder that the city remains a crossroads for live events that celebrate LGBTQ+ nightlife, performance, and pop culture at every angle. And for attendees, it’s the rare awards show where the energy is equal parts industry celebration and community reunion—an invitation to show up, show out, and cheer for the people who made the year memorable.