So do the editors at AskMen.com. For the 7th year running, they've put together a list of the year’s Top 49 Most Influential Men. According to AskMen, "this year’s list confirms that men are not only still a major force of influence in today’s society but they are overcoming adversity by reinventing themselves in a society that is ever-changing."
So who are you hoping to see on the list? Of course, the obvious poster boys are accounted for, including heartthrob Ryan Gosling, internet sensation Psy, and funnyman Seth MacFarlane. But what we loved about this list were the total surprises—like this year's highly controversial football replacement refs. Check out our 10 favorites from the list, then visit AskMen.com for the full breakdown of 2012's most notable—and memorable—males.
48. Tom Hardy
Don't recognize this guy? That's because his face was covered in both of his 2012 hits - as Forrest Bondurant in Lawless and Bane in The Dark Knight Rises. AskMen chose Tom Hardy as their Number 48 and he's one of our favorites because, "when Hardy was first tabbed as the 'roided-out Batman villain, people didn’t think the pretty boy could bulk up enough. Apparently, they didn’t know Hardy (and didn't see Bronson). For any guy who's unsure if he can take it to the next level, Hardy is a perfect example of the benefits of paying one’s dues and putting in the work."
47. Tony Horton
Obviously we're big fans of Tony Horton and the P90X fitness routine he founded. We fully support AskMen's choice to rank Tony Horton at number 47. His work in the fitness industry has influenced men all over the globe, as P90X has become one of the world's leading fitness regimens and methods for getting ripped.Tony isn't resting on his well-toned laurels: he's moved into nutrition with his meal-delivery program, Tony Horton's Kitchen.
35. Markus Persson
When you aren't sweating it out with P90X, we know you're probably playing video games. It isn't often that a game comes out that is intellectually and creatively challenging, while still remaining fun. But AskMen's number 35, Markus Persson, nailed it with his video game, Minecraft. When this does happen, the game usually becomes an overnight hit, which Minecraft did. Persson's creation sold over 9 million copies in 2012. The game has received tons of industry awards and was even awarded a place in the Smithsonian.
30. Jose Mourinho
Mourinho, one of the world's top soccer coaches, has worked magic with Porto, Chelsea and Inter Milan, but his accolades in 2012 with Real Madrid "cemented his legend." Not only did Real Madrid win La Liga, which would have been a big enough victory, Mourinho and his team set new Spanish and European league records. And more importantly, "these gaudy statistics helped finally topple his fiercest rivals, Barcelona, for the title."
29. Felix Baumgartner
AskMen's number 29, Felix Baumgartner, is the definition of daredevil. His specialty is death-defying high altitude jumps and he's currently working to beat Joe Kittinger's parachute-jump world record of 102,800 feet. If his planned 120,000 feet jump is a success, Felix will become "the first man to break the sound barrier solo, outside of an aircraft." His Red Bull-sponsored Stratos effort is an example of the private sector's movement to replace government-sponsored exploration. Felix Baumgartner, we envy your courage, but for now—we'll be waiting for you on the ground.
26. Billy Reid
This year, fashion designer Billy Reid took home the prestigious award for the CFDA's Menswear Designer of the Year. We get it, that probably means nothing to you. The bottom line is that for once, a designer is making clothes for real men. His southern, rustic-inspired pieces—designed for the likes of Levi's and J.Crew—ofter a breath of fresh air (and a little extra room) in a world dominated by skinny jeans.
14. Replacement Refs
When the official NFL referees were locked out over a contract dispute, the the league turned to replacements referees to sub in at ALL levels of the game. These rookies had to face policing millionaires, superstars and some of the toughest athletes on the planet. Why did they earn the number 14 spot? Well, there may have been a few blown calls and sideshow controversies, but at least we didn't miss any football this season.
13. Christian Grey
We know you are sick of hearing about 50 Shades of Grey. So are we. How has a fictional character had so much impact on America that he was voted number 13 on this list? Simple. Christian Grey is rich, attractive, and knows EXACTLY how to please a woman. While we kind of hate him for being most things we are not, we should probably thank Christian Grey for finally proving that you don't have to cook for her or pick up her feminine products in order to win her over. Because of this, men all over the world are asking themselves, "What would Christian Grey do?" The answer is usually to whip out the handcuffs...
8. Frank Ocean
A few months ago, hip-hop artist Frank Ocean publicly announced his bisexuality. It was a gamble, as the world of hip-hop is still less than tolerant. But the attention Ocean received for his courageous declaration helped bring his critically acclaimed new album and powerful performances on SNL and at the 2012 MTV Videos Music Awards into the spotlight. His talent alone makes him deserving of a spot on this list, but it's his inspiring admission that warrants him the number 8 slot.
2. Usain Bolt
While some doubted Usain Bolt as he headed into the 2012 Summer Olympic Games, he used that doubt as fuel to hit ground with an even stronger performance. Officially the fastest man in the world, he defended his 100-meter sprint gold medal with an Olympic-record-setting time of 9.63 seconds. But The Lightning Bolt didn't stop there; he also defended his 200-meter title, and finished up with a gold in the team relay. While 2008 was the year that Bolt burst onto the scene, 2012 was the year that he cemented himself as the best sprinter of all time. Overachiever? No, just typical behavior for the second most influential man of 2012.
Check out who made the #1 slot—as well as the full list of winners—at Askmen.com
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