Miss Universe title holders in the 21st century
The Miss Universe pageant, established in 1952, has crowned numerous women from around the world, celebrating beauty and intelligence.
From the first Miss Universe from Finland, Armi Kuusela to the latest from Denmark, Victoria Kjær Theilvig, the pageant has been a platform for women to showcase their advocacy, willingness and passion to inspire millions around the globe through goodwill initiatives.
Here’s a look at some notable titleholders over the decades:
- 2000: Lara Dutta from India won, marking another victory for India since Sushmita Sen won in 1994.
- 2008: Dayana Mendoza from Venezuela won, followed by her compatriot Stefania Fernandez in 2009, making Venezuela the first country to win back-to-back titles.
- 2015: Pia Wurtzbach from the Philippines won after a dramatic announcement mix-up. Steve Harvey, the host for the night named Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez, who was first runner-up, as the winner instead of Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach.
- 2017: Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters from South Africa took the crown.
- 2018: Catriona Gray from the Philippines won, known for her iconic "lava walk."
- 2023: Sheynnis Palacios from Nicaragua was crowned Miss Universe.
- 2024: Lastly, in 2024, Victoria Kjær Theilvig from Denmark won the ultimate title.
