Victoria Kjaer Theilvig of Denmark was crowned Miss Universe 2024 in a spectacular ceremony in Mexico City on November 16, becoming the first Dane to ever win the competition. Nigeria’s Chidinma Adetshina made history as first runner-up – the highest placement ever for a Nigerian contestant in the pageant’s 73-year history.
Theilvig, who triumphed over 124 contestants from around the globe, succeeds Nicaragua’s Sheynnis Palacios as Miss Universe. As the winner, she will embark on a global tour of 30 countries, receive a year’s supply of cosmetics and jewellery, and make history as the first Miss Universe to host a travel show.
Adetshina’s journey to the runner-up position is particularly remarkable. Earlier this year, she withdrew from Miss South Africa 2024 amid controversy over her heritage – born in South Africa to a Nigerian father and a South African mother with Mozambican roots, she faced claims she wasn’t “South African enough” to represent the country. She subsequently represented Taraba State in Nigeria and won the Miss Universe Nigeria title.
The 73rd edition of the pageant was notable for its emphasis on inclusivity, featuring 18 mothers among the contestants and welcoming first-time participants from Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Moldova, and Somalia. The competition expanded its semifinalist pool from 20 to 30 contestants this year.
In the final rounds, contestants from Nigeria, Denmark, Thailand, Mexico, and Venezuela emerged as the top five after competing in swimsuit and evening gown segments. Mexico secured third place, followed by Thailand and Venezuela in fourth and fifth positions respectively.
The achievement adds another milestone to Nigeria’s pageant history, following Agbani Darego’s groundbreaking victory as the first Black African Miss World in 2001.
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