Victoria Kjær Theilvig, a 21-year-old entrepreneur and aspiring lawyer from Denmark, has become the first Dane to win Miss Universe. She beat over 120 contestants at the annual beauty pageant held in Mexico City on Saturday. The evening was hosted by Mario Lopez and former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo, and featured a performance by Robin Thicke.

The competition started with a preliminary event where contestants showed off their national costumes. From there, 30 semi-finalists were chosen to parade in swimwear and evening gowns. The top five contestants answered questions about leadership and resilience. When asked how she would live differently if no one judged her, Theilvig said she wouldn't change a thing. She encouraged viewers to keep fighting, no matter where they come from.

Chidimma Adetshina from Nigeria was the first runner-up, and Maria Fernanda Beltran from Mexico was the second runner-up. The top five also included Suchata Chuangsri from Thailand and Ileana Marquez Pedroza from Venezuela, who made history as a 28-year-old mother. This year, the pageant allowed women over 28 to compete, a first in its 72-year history.

The Miss Universe Organization has been making efforts to modernize. In 2023, they lifted bans on pregnant women, mothers, and married women. Delegates for each country were chosen through local pageants. This year, Cuba participated for the first time since 1967, and several other countries sent contestants for the first time.

However, not everything went smoothly. Controversies at the national level, like in South Africa, and issues in Nicaragua with the Miss Universe director, marred the buildup to the final. Despite these problems, the pageant continued and a new Miss Universe was crowned.

HUANGS

A Danish Dancer Wins Miss Universe 2024