Global Influencers Shine at the 2025 WIBA Awards in Cannes

Source: WIBA Awards

Reported By: Caroline Dalal

Cannes played host to more than just cinematic premieres this past weekend. On May 23, 2025, the seventh annual WIBA Awards transformed the iconic Hôtel Martinez into a magnet for global tastemakers, honoring the content creators who have shaped culture, sparked movements, and captivated millions over the past year. Held in parallel with the Cannes Film Festival, the gala recognized digital influence as both an art and an industry—elevating the social media elite to red-carpet status.

With a reach rivaling that of any major broadcast event, the WIBA Awards (World Influencers and Bloggers Awards) celebrated the online voices that have resonated across borders. This year’s ceremony drew hundreds of international attendees, each with digital footprints in the tens of millions. Guests were treated to a refined evening including a cocktail reception, a seated gala dinner, and a dynamic awards presentation headlined by a special performance from Panjabi MC.

Italy-based YouTube sensation Panda Boi took home the night’s top honor, the Grand Prix WIBA Award, securing his place among the world’s most influential personalities with over 71 million social media followers. Other notable honorees included music art influencer Jodok Vuille, trendsetter Misha Miller, and fashion entertainment figure Jessica de Oliveira.

Across 25+ categories, the WIBA Awards spotlighted a spectrum of influential talents—ranging from motivational voices to fashion innovators and digital entrepreneurs.

Notable 2025 awardees included:

• Jasmin Gassmann: Influential Actress in Social Media
  

• Mara Lafontan: Motivational Lifestyle Influencer
  

• Taha Shah Badussha: Influential Actor in Social Media
  

• Argy: Contemporary Art Influencer
  

• Tony Czech: Sports Entertainment
  

• Abi Marquez: Food Influencer
  

• Charlie Griffon: Best Pet Influencer
  

• Sean Sudarshan Rajan (@thebillionairesclub): Influential Luxury Society

While reach remains a hallmark of success, this year’s ceremony emphasized substance alongside scale. The event amplified top-followed causes and championed a diverse range of voices, fostering collaboration among creators who are not only trendsetters, but also advocates and storytellers. With more than 200 million impressions generated from a single night, the WIBA Awards ballroom served as both a physical and digital arena for global conversation.

As an official sponsor and partner, KIKO Milano elevated the backstage experience with curated glam sessions for titleholders and guests. Known for blending professional artistry with modern beauty, the brand also offered exclusive gifts that mirrored the luxurious spirit of the event.

Founded by the Monaco-based World Influencers Association, the WIBA Awards remain the only international program devoted exclusively to honoring social media personalities across all categories. Past honorees include Khaby Lame, Lena Situations, Coco Rocha, Maye Musk, and Nikkie Tutorials—setting a high bar for digital excellence year after year.