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In an exciting finale held at the Mexico City Arena, Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark was crowned Miss Universe 2024, marking the first victory for Denmark in the pageant’s 73-year history. The event, held on November 16, 2024, featured over 120 contestants from a record-breaking 125 countries and territories, making it the largest Miss Universe competition to date.
Theilvig, an animal protection advocate working in the diamond industry, captivated the judges and audience with her poise, advocacy, and elegance. She defeated Miss Nigeria, who finished as the first runner-up, while Miss Mexico secured third place. The crown was passed to Theilvig by last year’s titleholder, Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua, in a moment of celebration and pride for Denmark.
The Mexico City Arena, also known as Arena CDMX, served as the grand stage for the event, which featured performances by 131 mariachi musicians and artist Taboo, who energized the audience with the song “Mexicana.” Hosted by Mario López, Olivia Culpo, Zuri Hall, and former Miss Universe Catriona Gray, the show drew millions of viewers globally. The preliminary competition held two days prior, determined the top 30 semifinalists, who competed in the swimsuit and evening gown segments before advancing to the final rounds.
This year’s pageant stood out for its inclusivity. For the first time, age restrictions were removed, allowing women over 28 to participate, while height and weight restrictions were also abolished. These changes, confirmed by Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel, marked a progressive step for the organization.
The 73rd edition also saw debut entries from countries such as Belarus, Eritrea, Guinea, Iran, Macau, Moldova, and Uzbekistan, reflecting the pageant’s expanding global reach.
The competition faced a series of changes leading up to the event. Some representatives, including those from New Zealand, Guatemala, Armenia, and Denmark, were replaced due to varying circumstances, such as personal issues, eligibility concerns, and preparation challenges. Victoria Kjær Theilvig herself entered as a replacement for the original Miss Denmark, Emma Heyst, who withdrew due to inadequate preparation.
The contestants were also evaluated on their advocacy through the “Voice For Change” competition, sponsored by luxury jeweler Mouawad and CI Talks. Participants showcased their causes through three-minute videos, with winners selected through online voting and a panel of judges. The competition highlighted Miss Universe’s commitment to promoting social and environmental awareness.
In addition to the main title, Continental Winners were announced based on social media engagement and overall performance. Special awards were also presented to contestants and national directors who demonstrated exceptional dedication to the Miss Universe Organization.
