In an exclusive sneak peek of National Geographic’s Best of the World, Antoni Porowski trades his usual comfort zone for the Arena Mexico ring, where Persephone teaches him signature moves ahead of his first solo-hosting travel adventure.
Antoni Porowski is used to entering other people’s lives through food and wine—years of guiding viewers through kitchens on Netflix’s Emmy-winning reality series Queer Eye. After bidding farewell to the Fab Five, he’s stepping into something far more physical for his first solo-hosting gig.
This Sunday, National Geographic’s Best of the World begins with Porowski traveling to some of the planet’s most interesting and idyllic locales. But in the premiere episode, the goal isn’t just to show places—it’s to make Porowski learn something he’s never done before: wrestling.
The exclusive sneak peek lands him at Arena Mexico. where he gets a crash course from Persephone. one of the greatest female wrestlers in her country. She welcomes him into the ring in Marvel superhero fashion, teaching him a few signature moves before her big match. As he takes in the lesson. Porowski jokes that he’s thankful he has good health insurance for what’s about to unfold.
The training turns practical fast. Porowski learns how to get a fellow fighter into a headlock and how to take an opponent down when the opponent is already on the mat. Some of the high-flying. daring moves from the skilled wrestlers are too risky for him to take on. but he does experience what it’s like to get bodyslammed by a professional. The whole moment plays as something more than a stunt—“all smiles” as he thanks Persephone and her colleagues for putting him through the wringer.
Even when the focus shifts from the ring back to the road, the series seems built around the same idea: discovery through Porowski’s point of view. Best of the World isn’t framed as a traditional guidebook. It’s presented as an adventure to reach the beating heart of each location alongside him.
His travels are set to take him from Mexico City to Paris, London, and even his home, New York City. The search is for authentic experiences—those found in both the most famous landmarks and “diamonds in the rough” that deserve recognition. From the best spots to eat to one-of-a-kind activities. Porowski is looking to embrace his adventurous side and capture the culture and people that define a place.
The series also leans into human stories. with Persephone positioned as a clear example of the kind of character-driven moments the show wants to foreground. In a way. Porowski’s wrestling day functions as a preview of what he’s bringing to the format: not just where to go. but what it feels like to step beyond the familiar.
For Porowski, the Nat Geo spotlight isn’t exactly new. He previously teamed with National Geographic for No Taste Like Home. where he brought his culinary talents to elaborate food journeys that traced guests’ cultural roots. That run included famous visitors such as Florence Pugh, Justin Theroux, and Issa Rae.
With Best of the World. he’s working toward a similar in-depth approach. but with a structure that’s designed around authenticity and discovery—especially in cities viewers think they already know. In an interview with Collider’s Michael Zimmermann. Porowski explained that he’s aiming for “classic staple things” that people expect. while pushing toward the kind of discoveries that happen when you wander.
“I know they wanted to lean into my perspective and how I experience the city and things that make me light up. You want to do the classic staple things that everyone knows and loves. It’s tried, tested, and true. But the best discoveries I’ve ever made are when I get lost on some little street.”
Best of the World premieres June 7 on National Geographic.
Antoni Porowski Best of the World National Geographic Queer Eye Fab Five Persephone Arena Mexico lucha libre wrestling travel series Mexico City Paris London New York City