Miss Universe: 21-year-old Victoria Kjær Theilvig crowned winner
The Miss Universe 2024 competition concluded with Victoria Kjær Theilvig from Denmark as the grand winner.
The 21-year-old made history as the first Dane to win the beauty pageant. Victoria Kjær Theilvig, a dancer, entrepreneur, and aspiring lawyer, beat out more than 120 other contestants in the annual competition, held this year in Mexico City and concluding early Sunday morning Greek time.
The 21-year-old was met with applause from her fellow contestants on stage as she received the crown from last year's winner, Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua.
This year's finale included a performance by singer Robin Thicke and was hosted by "Saved by the Bell" star Mario Lopez and former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo.
The dazzling competition began with the contestants being narrowed down from 120 to 30, based on the results of Thursday's preliminary event, which included a national costume competition. Those who advanced paraded in swimwear before 12 were selected as finalists.
The top five then faced questions on a range of topics, including leadership and resilience. When asked how she would live differently if no one judged her, Theilvig told the judges she wouldn't change a thing, saying, "I live every day."
Asked what she would say to those watching her, Theilvig urged viewers "to keep fighting… no matter where you come from."
"I'm standing here today because I want a change, I want to make history, and that's what I'm doing tonight," she said.
Miss Universe: The Top Five Finalists
Chidimma Adetshina of Nigeria was the first runner-up, and Maria Fernanda Beltran of Mexico was the second runner-up. They were followed by Suchata Chuangsri of Thailand and Ileana Marquez Pedroza of Venezuela. Pedroza, a 28-year-old mother, made history by reaching the top five after the competition lifted several restrictions in recent years.
This year marked the first time in the 72-year history of Miss Universe that women over 28 were allowed to compete. Over 24 contestants were older than previously permitted.
The removal of the age limit came amid increasing calls to modernize the competition. Ahead of the 2023 competition, the Miss Universe Organization also lifted a long-standing ban on pregnant women or mothers, and women who are – or have been – married.
Greek Participation in Miss Universe
Greece was represented in the Miss Universe 2024 competition by Christianna Katsieri, who did not advance to the top 30.
Born in Greece, Christianna Katsieri grew up in Piraeus. She studied aesthetics and dermatology in Cyprus. In 2022, she won the MISS GS Hellas beauty pageant and also represented Greece in MISS Earth.
Last year, Christianna Katsieri participated in the reality show My Style Rocks.