Introduction
The glittering stage of Miss Grand International 2025 lit up Bangkok, Thailand, on October 18, 2025, as 77 stunning women from around the world competed for one of the most glamorous crowns in international pageantry. Held at the magnificent MGI Hall, the 13th edition of the competition was a spectacular fusion of beauty, grace, culture, and empowerment.
In a historic moment, Emma Tiglao of the Philippines was crowned Miss Grand International 2025 by her compatriot Christine Opiaza, marking the first-ever back-to-back win in the pageant’s history. This remarkable achievement not only brought pride to the Philippines but also set a new milestone for the Miss Grand International Organization.
Table of Contents
The Grand Stage of Miss Grand International 2025 in Bangkok
For the second consecutive year, Thailand played host to this global celebration of beauty and peace. The MGI Hall in Bangkok was transformed into a breathtaking spectacle of lights and grandeur, as fans from around the world tuned in via YouTube’s GrandTV to witness the live broadcast.
The show was hosted by Matthew Deane, while the entertainment lineup featured Thailand’s beloved Miss Grand Thailand 2022 Engfa Waraha, along with performers Pitchapa Justice and Kanlayawan Petin, adding local flavor to the international event.
Pre-pageant activities were held in Hua Hin, setting the tone for an unforgettable week filled with glamour, talent, and cultural exchanges.
New Rules and Global Participation
The Miss Grand International Organization, under the leadership of Nawat Itsaragrisil, introduced a major eligibility change for 2025. Contestants aged 18 to 35 were now allowed to compete, broadening opportunities for more women worldwide to take the stage.
This year saw the participation of 77 countries and territories, with five debuting nations — Iceland, Kyrgyzstan, Martinique, Montenegro, and Palestine — joining for the first time. Meanwhile, several countries made exciting returns, including Costa Rica, Georgia, Guyana, Jamaica, Hungary, Sweden, Turkey, and Zimbabwe, reflecting the growing global appeal of the Miss Grand brand.
However, not every nation could participate. Countries like Bangladesh, Chile, Russia, and Poland withdrew due to organizational or licensing issues.
The Journey to the Crown of Miss Grand International 2025
Throughout the competition, delegates showcased their charisma, confidence, and compassion. From pre-arrival challenges to national costume parades and swimsuit showcases, every stage tested the contestants’ versatility and grace.
Pre-Arrival Voting
Fans had the power to bring their favorite contestants closer to the spotlight by liking and sharing official posts on social media. Ten contestants — including Emma Tiglao (Philippines), Sarunrat Puagpipat (Thailand), Nariman Battikha (Venezuela), and Montserrat Villalva (Mexico) — earned the chance to attend a formal dinner with MGI executives, boosting their visibility before the main event.
Country’s Power of the Year
In this fan-driven segment, Emma Tiglao once again captured hearts online, securing the Country’s Power of the Year award, which automatically advanced her to the Top 22 semi-finalists. The runner-up positions went to Myanmar, Paraguay, and Thailand.
Grand Talent Competition
Talent shone bright on October 13, when contestants impressed judges with creativity and performance skills. The winners, Faith Maria Porter of Ghana and Erika Ishibashi of Japan, earned automatic placements in the semifinals. Their performances reflected not only artistry but also cultural authenticity.
Swimsuit Competition
Hosted at the scenic InterContinental Resort in Hua Hin, this segment was both fierce and fabulous. With contestants radiating confidence and poise, Sarunrat Puagpipat of Thailand emerged as the Best in Swimsuit, while twenty semi-finalists were selected through judges’ scoring and public voting.
National Costume Competition
The colorful spectacle on October 13 celebrated creativity and culture. The stage was adorned with elaborate costumes representing the soul of each nation. The top honors went to:
- Brazil – Kaliana Diniz
- India – Vishakha Kanwar
- Thailand – Sarunrat Puagpipat
Each of these ensembles blended artistry, symbolism, and craftsmanship — a true feast for pageant fans worldwide.
The Night of the Grand Finale of Miss Grand International 2025
As the curtains rose on October 18, 2025, the world watched in awe as 77 contestants graced the stage, each representing their country with pride and purpose. The theme of the evening echoed Miss Grand International’s advocacy of “Stop the War and Violence,” reminding audiences of the deeper message behind the beauty.
The top 23 semifinalists were announced, featuring strong performances from countries like Colombia, Mexico, Czech Republic, Guatemala, Tanzania, Ghana, and Spain.
As the competition progressed, the crowd favorites began to emerge. Thailand’s Sarunrat Puagpipat dazzled the audience with her stage presence, while Spain’s Aitana Jiménez and Venezuela’s Nariman Battikha impressed both the judges and fans alike.
The Final Results of Miss Grand International 2025
After rounds of fierce competition, the results were as follows:
- Miss Grand International 2025 – Philippines – Emma Tiglao
- 1st Runner-Up – Thailand – Sarunrat Puagpipat
- 2nd Runner-Up – Spain – Aitana Jiménez
- 3rd Runner-Up – Ghana – Faith Maria Porter
- 4th Runner-Up – Venezuela – Nariman Battikha
The top 10 also included stunning performances from Colombia, Mexico, Czech Republic, Guatemala, and Tanzania.
Each of these women embodied elegance, intelligence, and dedication to global peace and cultural understanding.
Special Awards and Recognition of Miss Grand International 2025
Apart from the main crown, several contestants stood out for their exceptional performances in specific categories:
- Best National Costume: Brazil – Kaliana Diniz, India – Vishakha Kanwar, Thailand – Sarunrat Puagpipat
- Best in Evening Gown: Mexico – Montserrat Villalva
- Best in Swimsuit: Thailand – Sarunrat Puagpipat
- Miss Popular Vote: Colombia – Laura Ramos
- Country’s Power of the Year: Philippines – Emma Tiglao
- Grand Talent Award: Ghana – Faith Maria Porter and Japan – Erika Ishibashi
- Miss Grand InterContinental Hua Hin Resort: Venezuela – Nariman Battikha
These awards celebrated not only beauty and style but also creativity, cultural expression, and fan engagement.
Emma Tiglao: The Woman Behind the Crown
At 30 years old, Emma Tiglao from Mabalacat, Philippines, proved that persistence and purpose lead to greatness. Having previously competed in national pageants, Emma’s experience and maturity gave her an edge.
Her victory marks the first back-to-back win for the Philippines, as she was crowned by her compatriot Christine Opiaza, Miss Grand International 2024. This monumental achievement reaffirmed the Philippines’ status as a powerhouse in the pageant world.
Emma’s advocacy focuses on peace and empowerment — aligning perfectly with Miss Grand International’s mission. Her poise, articulate answers, and heartfelt message during the final Q&A of Miss Grand International 2025 resonated deeply with both judges and audiences.
A Celebration of Diversity and Peace
Miss Grand International has evolved into one of the most influential beauty platforms, combining entertainment with advocacy. The 2025 edition celebrated unity among nations despite the global challenges that continue to affect humanity.
From Africa to Asia, Europe to the Americas, contestants brought their own stories, talents, and dreams. They used their voices to promote kindness, cultural understanding, and compassion — the essence of true beauty.
A Historic Year for Miss Grand International
The 13th edition of Miss Grand International will be remembered for several reasons — the record-breaking back-to-back victory for the Philippines, the inclusion of new countries, and the vibrant stage in Bangkok that celebrated global unity.
With its commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and empowerment, the Miss Grand International Organization continues to set new benchmarks in global pageantry.
President Nawat Itsaragrisil’s vision of turning Miss Grand into a platform for peace and entertainment continues to flourish, and 2025 proved that the pageant remains one of the most-watched and beloved competitions in the world.
The Crown and the Chaos: Controversies of Miss Grand International 2025
Beauty pageants are often seen as glamorous spectacles of grace, poise, and empowerment. Yet, beneath the glittering gowns and dazzling smiles, the world of pageantry can be rife with drama, politics, and controversy. Miss Grand International 2025, held in Bangkok, Thailand, was no exception. This year’s edition of the globally followed event was marred by a series of incidents that sparked debate, outrage, and introspection across the pageant community and beyond.
From onstage blunders to political backlash and explosive exposés, here’s a deep dive into the controversies that defined Miss Grand International 2025.
🎭 1. The Panama Mix-Up: A Moment of Confusion and Grace
One of the most talked-about moments of the night came during the announcement of the top 22 finalists of Miss Grand International 2025. As the host called out the names, Panama’s representative, Isamar Herrera, stepped forward, believing she had been selected. The excitement on her face quickly turned to confusion when the host corrected himself: the name called was actually Miss Grand Paraguay.
The incident, captured on video and widely circulated online, drew both sympathy and admiration. Herrera, 31, handled the moment with remarkable composure, returning to her place with dignity. Fans praised her resilience, turning what could have been a humiliating moment into a testament to grace under pressure.
While some criticized the host for the error, others pointed to the chaotic sound environment in the venue as a contributing factor. The mix-up reignited conversations about the need for clearer communication and better stage management in high-stakes live events.
🏆 2. Emma Tiglao’s Victory: A Crown Shrouded in Controversy
Filipina beauty queen Emma Mary Tiglao made history by winning Miss Grand International 2025, marking a back-to-back win for the Philippines. However, her victory was not universally celebrated. Critics in her home country questioned her credibility, citing alleged ties to controversial political groups and her background as a journalist.
Tiglao’s win was meant to be a unifying moment for a pageant-loving nation, but instead, it sparked a polarizing debate. Some Filipinos expressed concern over her perceived affiliations, arguing that her public persona conflicted with the pageant’s message of peace and unity.
The backlash highlighted the increasingly political nature of beauty pageants, where winners are scrutinized not just for their looks and talent, but for their beliefs, associations, and public statements. Emma Tiglao has yet to publicly address the criticism in detail, but her win remains a flashpoint in discussions about authenticity and representation in pageantry.
💔 3. Rachel Gupta’s Tell-All: The Dark Side of Pageantry
Although Rachel Gupta was crowned Miss Grand International in 2024, her revelations in 2025 cast a long shadow over this year’s event. In a 56-minute YouTube video, Rachel Gupta—India’s first winner of the title—explained why she relinquished her crown and exposed what she described as a toxic and exploitative environment within the Miss Grand International organization.
Her allegations included:
- Harassment and mistreatment by staff and sponsors
- Corruption and favoritism in event planning and judging
- Body shaming and starvation tactics imposed on contestants
- Pressure to monetize her presence through social media and appearances
Rachel Gupta’s candid account shocked fans and insiders alike. She described being treated as a commodity rather than a queen, forced to attend events and go live on TikTok to generate revenue for the organization. Her decision to step down was met with both support and skepticism, with the MGI organization claiming her title was “revoked” rather than voluntarily surrendered.
The exposé reignited long-standing concerns about the treatment of women in beauty pageants and the lack of transparency in their operations. It also raised questions about the mental health toll of such high-pressure roles and the need for reform in the industry.
🔍 4. Transparency and Trust: A Growing Demand
The controversies of Miss Grand International 2025 have fueled a broader conversation about transparency in pageantry. Fans and former contestants are increasingly demanding:
- Clear judging criteria and scoring breakdowns
- Public accountability for organizers and sponsors
- Mental health support for participants
- Safe reporting mechanisms for harassment and abuse
Social media has played a pivotal role in amplifying these demands. Hashtags like #MGITransparency and #PageantReform have trended across platforms, with users sharing stories, opinions, and calls to action.
The pageant world, once shielded by glamour and tradition, is now facing a reckoning. As audiences become more socially conscious, the pressure is mounting for organizations to evolve and uphold the values they claim to represent.
🌍 5. Cultural Sensitivities and Global Reactions
Miss Grand International is a global event, and its controversies have sparked varied reactions across different cultures. In Latin America, Isamar Herrera’s mix-up was seen as a moment of solidarity, with fans from multiple countries expressing support. In Southeast Asia, Emma Tiglao’s win stirred political debates, while in India, Rachel Gupta’s revelations prompted soul-searching about the treatment of women in public roles.
These reactions underscore the cultural complexity of international pageants. What is seen as empowering in one region may be viewed as problematic in another. Organizers must navigate these nuances carefully, especially as their audience becomes more global and vocal.
📣 6. The Role of Media: Amplifier or Agitator?
Media coverage played a significant role in shaping the narrative around Miss Grand International 2025. Viral videos, opinion pieces, and social media commentary turned isolated incidents into global talking points. While this visibility can drive accountability, it also risks sensationalism and misinformation.
For instance, some outlets exaggerated the Panama mix-up, framing it as a scandal rather than a simple mistake. Others speculated about Emma Tiglao’s political affiliations without concrete evidence. Meanwhile, Rachel Gupta’s video was dissected and debated, with some questioning her motives and timing.
This dynamic raises important questions about the role of media in pageantry. Should coverage focus on empowerment and achievement, or is it fair to scrutinize contestants and organizers? How can media balance truth-telling with sensitivity?
Final Thoughts
The Miss Grand International 2025 pageant was more than just a competition — it was a celebration of culture, resilience, and global harmony. The dazzling performances, emotional stories, and groundbreaking victory of Emma Tiglao symbolized the power of perseverance and purpose.
As the world applauds her win, fans eagerly await how Emma Tiglao will use her reign of Miss Grand International 2025 to inspire change and spread the message of peace. With beauty, intelligence, and compassion at its heart, Miss Grand International once again proved why it stands among the most prestigious pageants in the world.
Also read about “Emma Tiglao (Miss Grand International 2025): A Decade in Pageantry Leading to Her Grand Victory“.