Danish Victoria Kjær Theilvig was crowned Miss Universe.
Kjaer, an animal welfare advocate who works in the diamond sales business, beat Miss Nigeria at the end of the 73rd edition of the pageant in Mexico City. Miss Mexico placed third.
This is the first time that a Danish candidate has won Miss Universe.
Raquel Cunha / REUTERS
The competition took place at the Mexico City Arena, an indoor venue with a capacity of 20,000 people. Supporters inside shouted and waved flags from countries around the world.
The ceremony began with 131 mariachi musicians and singer Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas performing “Mexicana,” a song created by Emilio Estefan for the competition.
The gala was hosted by Mario López; Olivia Culpo Miss Universe 2012; presenter Zuri Hall; and Catriona Gray, Miss Universe 2018.
Organizers said there were more than 120 participants.
“We can’t wait to see the incredible impact she will have as the new Miss Universe,” the pageant wrote on social media, alongside a video of the winning moment. “Congratulations Victoria Kjaer Miss Universe 2024.”
This year, some countries were represented for the first time, such as Belarus, Eritrea, Guinea, Macau, Maldives, Moldova and Uzbekistan.
This is the third time that Mexico has hosted Miss Universe.
Miss Nicaragua Sheynnis Palacios won the previous Miss Universe competition in El Salvador, the first to wear her country’s crown.
R’Bonney Gabriel of the United States was crowned the 71st Miss Universe.
