Victoria Theilvig of Denmark wins the Miss Universe 2024 crown

On Saturday night, the 2024 Miss Universe pageant took place in Mexico City, and it was a memorable evening for many. Over 120 women from around the world gathered to compete for the coveted crown. After hours of competition, it was 21-year-old Victoria Theilvig from Denmark who took home the title.

The pageant kicked off with more than 120 contestants, representing different countries. The first round narrowed the field to 30 contestants, all of whom took the stage in swimsuits. 

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This round helped judges decide who would move on to the next stage. The competition heated up as 12 contestants were selected to wear stunning evening gowns, sparking excitement in the audience. During this time, singer Robin Thicke performed, but the focus remained on the contestants and their dazzling outfits.

After showcasing their gowns, the competition reached its final stage. The five remaining finalists had to answer tough questions in the Q&A round. The pressure was high, but only one would be crowned Miss Universe. 

In the end, Victoria Theilvig from Denmark was named the winner. She was followed by Miss Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina, who took first runner-up. Miss Mexico, María Fernanda Beltrán, finished in third place, while contestants from Thailand and Venezuela rounded out the top five.

Chidimma Adetshina’s journey to the Miss Universe pageant had been full of challenges. Originally, she had planned to compete in the Miss South Africa pageant, but after a controversy over her eligibility, she entered the Miss Nigeria competition instead. Despite the drama, Adetshina’s resilience led her to claim a runner-up spot in Miss Universe 2024.

[Image Credit: Getty Images]

Mia Le Roux, the winner of Miss South Africa, was initially expected to compete but dropped out just days before the event, citing health concerns. This year, the pageant saw some new faces, with countries like Belarus, Eritrea, Guinea, Macau, Maldives, Moldova, and Uzbekistan participating for the first time.

This year’s competition was particularly exciting because it marked a historic moment for Denmark. Victoria Theilvig’s win made her the first Danish woman to win the Miss Universe title. 

The event took place in the Mexico City Arena, which can hold up to 20,000 people. Inside the arena, supporters from around the world waved flags and cheered for their favorite contestants.

The ceremony started with an unforgettable performance from 131 mariachi musicians. Singer Taboo from the Black Eyed Peas also took the stage, performing "Mexicana," a song created by Emilio Estefan for the contest. The evening was hosted by Mario López, Olivia Culpo (Miss Universe 2012), Zuri Hall, and Catriona Gray (Miss Universe 2018).

This year’s Miss Universe pageant also made history by welcoming contestants from countries that had never participated before. For example, Belarus, Eritrea, Guinea, Macau, Maldives, Moldova, and Uzbekistan all had representatives in the competition. It was the third time Mexico has hosted the Miss Universe pageant, adding to its legacy of hosting major global events.

In addition to the stunning fashion and performances, the Miss Universe pageant also highlighted the personal achievements of the contestants. Victoria Theilvig, the new Miss Universe, is an animal rights advocate and works in the diamond industry. Her win is a testament to her hard work and dedication.

The Miss Universe 2024 competition was a celebration of beauty, talent, and perseverance. 

From the swimsuits to the evening gowns, the contestants showed off their grace and poise. As the crown was placed on Victoria Theilvig's head, it marked the beginning of her reign as the new Miss Universe, inspiring women worldwide.