What Happened to Esquire Magazine?
Esquire Magazine, an iconic American men's publication founded in 1933, has successfully navigated evolving media landscapes by maintaining its commitment to high-quality journalism, style, and cultural commentary. Under the ownership of Hearst Communications since 1986, the magazine has recently garnered significant accolades, including a Pulitzer Prize and a National Magazine Award in 2025, while expanding its global footprint with new international editions and adapting its digital and print strategies to remain relevant for modern audiences.
Quick Answer
Esquire Magazine continues to thrive as a leading men's lifestyle and culture publication, demonstrating remarkable resilience and adaptability. In 2025, it achieved a historic milestone by winning its first-ever Pulitzer Prize for Feature Writing, alongside a National Magazine Award for General Excellence. Under Editor-in-Chief Michael Sebastian, the magazine has expanded its international presence with new editions launching in France and Malaysia in 2026, and has seen its UK edition increase publishing frequency, underscoring a strategic focus on both compelling storytelling and global brand growth across print and digital platforms.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Esquire Magazine is Founded
Esquire is first issued as an offshoot of Apparel Arts, founded by David A. Smart, Henry L. Jackson, and Arnold Gingrich, quickly establishing itself as a prominent men's magazine.
Harold Hayes Era and New Journalism
Under editor Harold Hayes, Esquire becomes renowned for pioneering 'New Journalism,' publishing influential writers like Norman Mailer, Gay Talese, and Tom Wolfe.
Failed Fortnightly Experiment
After being sold to Clay Felker in 1977, Esquire is reinvented as a fortnightly publication, 'Esquire Fortnightly,' but the experiment proves to be a financial failure, losing US$5 million.
Acquired by Hearst Corporation
The 13-30 Corporation, which had purchased Esquire in 1979, splits up, leading to Esquire's acquisition by the Hearst Corporation, its current publisher.
David Granger Becomes Editor-in-Chief
David M. Granger is named editor-in-chief, leading a significant revamp of the magazine to reassert its quality and appeal to a contemporary audience after a period of decline.
Publication of 'A Death in Alabama'
Mark Warren's feature story, 'A Death in Alabama,' which would later win a Pulitzer Prize, is published in the April/May issue of Esquire.
Wins National Magazine Award
Esquire is named the winner of the 2025 National Magazine Award for General Excellence, Service and Lifestyle, under Editor-in-Chief Michael Sebastian's leadership.
Awarded First Pulitzer Prize
Esquire wins its first-ever Pulitzer Prize for Feature Writing for Mark Warren's article 'A Death in Alabama,' marking a historic achievement for the magazine.
Esquire Vietnam Relaunches
After a hiatus, Esquire officially returns to the Vietnamese market under Sun Flower Media, joining its global network of international editions.
Esquire France Announced for 2026 Launch
Hearst Magazines International announces the launch of Esquire France, a new quarterly edition scheduled to debut in Spring 2026, marking the 25th international edition.
Esquire UK Redesigns and Increases Frequency
Esquire UK unveils a redesign and announces an increase in its publishing frequency to bi-monthly starting in 2026, under new Editor-in-Chief Teo van den Broeke.
Esquire UK Publishes First Bi-Monthly Issue
The British Esquire Magazine releases its March/April 2026 issue, featuring Jacob Elordi, as it transitions to a bi-monthly publication schedule.
British Esquire Features Tom Holland
The July/August 2026 issue of British Esquire Magazine features Tom Holland on its cover, highlighting one of the UK's influential figures.
Latest US Issue Available
The September 2026 issue of Esquire US is available, continuing its regular publication schedule.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Esquire Magazine was first launched in October 1933, emerging during the Great Depression as an offshoot of the trade magazine Apparel Arts. Founded by David A. Smart, Henry L. Jackson, and Arnold Gingrich, it quickly established itself by blending sophisticated literature and cutting-edge journalism with fashion advice and pin-up art, initially headquartered in Chicago before moving to New York City. The magazine reached a cultural zenith in the 1960s under editor Harold Hayes, pioneering the 'New Journalism' movement with contributions from literary giants like Norman Mailer, Gay Talese, and Tom Wolfe.
Following a period of editorial and financial instability in the late 1970s, including a failed experiment as a fortnightly publication, Esquire was acquired by the Hearst Corporation in 1986. This acquisition marked a significant turning point, providing the magazine with the stability and resources of a major media conglomerate. Throughout the 1990s, facing stiff competition from other male-oriented lifestyle publications and a general decline in the magazine industry, Esquire underwent a strategic revamp under editor-in-chief David Granger, reasserting itself as a high-quality publication focused on lifestyle, culture, and in-depth features.
The 21st century has seen Esquire continue its evolution, embracing digital platforms while maintaining its commitment to print journalism. Under the leadership of Editor-in-Chief Michael Sebastian, who previously served as digital director, the magazine has successfully integrated its print and digital offerings, recognizing that compelling storytelling transcends format. This strategy has paid off with significant recognition in recent years. In April 2025, Esquire won the National Magazine Award for General Excellence, Service and Lifestyle. This was followed by a historic achievement in May 2025, when Esquire was awarded its first-ever Pulitzer Prize for Feature Writing for Mark Warren's piece, “A Death in Alabama,” published in the April/May 2024 edition.
As of August 2026, Esquire continues to expand its global reach, operating over 20 international editions. Recent expansions include the relaunch of Esquire Vietnam in 2025 and the planned launch of Esquire France in Spring 2026. The UK edition of Esquire also underwent a significant redesign in November 2025 under new Editor-in-Chief Teo van den Broeke, increasing its publishing frequency to bi-monthly from 2026 and focusing on a 'Better Men' strategy. The magazine remains a prominent voice in contemporary American culture, defining and celebrating modern masculinity through award-winning journalism and visually compelling content across its print, digital, and social platforms.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Esquire Magazine made different choices?