Introduction
The 74th edition of the Miss Universe pageant, held on 21 November 2025, will long be remembered as one of the most dramatic, emotional, and eventful years in pageant history. Hosted at the impressive Impact Challenger Hall in Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, Thailand, Miss Universe 2025 crowned Fátima Bosch of Mexico as the new queen, giving Mexico its fourth Miss Universe crown. But the journey to the coronation stage was marked by glamour, global representation, emotional performances—and more controversies than the pageant has faced in a decade.
Hosted by American actor and stand-up comedian Steve Byrne, with commentary from former Miss Universe titleholders Dayanara Torres (1993) and R’Bonney Gabriel (2022), the event was broadcast to millions around the world. Yet behind the stage lights and glitter, Miss Universe 2025 unfolded during a national mourning period in Thailand following the death of former queen consort Sirikit, which led to changes in many events to reflect a more restrained and respectful atmosphere.
This blog takes a complete and easy-to-understand look at the background, participants, results, controversies, and legacy of Miss Universe 2025.
Table of Contents
Thailand Named Host After Intense Bidding
The host country for Miss Universe 2025 was announced on 7 February 2025 after several nations—including India, Morocco, Spain, South Africa, and Argentina—were shortlisted. In the end, Thailand won the bid, making it the fourth time the country hosted the competition. The Impact Challenger Hall, one of the largest indoor convention centers in Asia, served as the main venue, with additional activities planned across Phuket and Pattaya.
On 23 April 2025, well-known Thai pageant figure Nawat Itsaragrisil was announced as executive director for the event. However, his involvement would soon become one of the major points of controversy throughout the competition.
Just a day before the pageant schedule was finalized, Thailand entered a one-year mourning period after the passing of Queen Sirikit. Despite this, organizers confirmed that the show would go on but with modified events and a more toned-down public appearance schedule.
A Global Lineup: New Countries, Returns, and Withdrawals
A total of 118 contestants competed for the Miss Universe 2025 crown. Several countries made their debut, including:
- Cape Verde
- Mayotte
- Palestine
- Rwanda
The debut of Palestine gained global attention due to the ongoing Gaza conflict, sparking important conversations about representation and human rights.
Several nations also returned after years of absence, including Iraq, Slovenia, Sweden, Ghana, and Haiti. But, some withdrew due to political issues, personal reasons, or organizational challenges. Contestants from Iran, Germany, Iceland, Cameroon, Jamaica, and others were unable to attend or dropped out before the finals.
There were also multiple replacements. For example:
- China’s Zhao Na replaced original winner Xuhe Hou.
- Trinidad & Tobago’s Latifah Morris replaced Sihlé Letren.
- The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s original winner refused to sign her contract and was replaced by Dorcas Dienda.
- Poland’s representative switched from Miss Polski to Miss Polonia.
Another important addition this year was Miss Universe Latina, selected through a Telemundo reality show. Yamilex Hernández became the first non–country delegate in Miss Universe history.
Format and Competition Structure
Following the format from 2024, Miss Universe 2025 selected:
- Top 30 semifinalists
- Cut to Top 12
- Then Top 5
- Followed by Top 3 for the final Q&A round
The preliminary competition included:
- National costume
- Swimsuit
- Evening gown
- Closed-door interviews
A new change this year was that many special awards were completely fan-voted, including Miss Congeniality, which traditionally is chosen by contestants themselves.
The Results: Mexico Wins, Thailand Shines, Venezuela Impresses
At the end of the highly anticipated coronation night, Fátima Bosch of Mexico was crowned Miss Universe 2025 by outgoing queen Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark.
Final Results
- Miss Universe 2025 – Mexico, Fátima Bosch
- 1st Runner-Up – Thailand, Praveenar Singh
- 2nd Runner-Up – Venezuela, Stephany Abasali
- 3rd Runner-Up – Philippines, Ahtisa Manalo
- 4th Runner-Up – Côte d’Ivoire, Olivia Yacé
Top 12 of Miss Universe 2025
Here are the Top 12 finalists of Miss Universe 2025:
- Puerto Rico – Zashely Alicea
- Mexico – Fátima Bosch
- Thailand – Praveenar Singh
- Venezuela – Stephany Abasali
- Philippines – Ahtisa Manalo
- Côte d’Ivoire – Olivia Yacé
- Chile – Inna Moll
- Colombia – Vanessa Pulgarín
- Cuba – Lina Luaces
- Guadeloupe – Ophély Mézino
- China – Zhao Na
- Malta – Julia Cluett
Top 30 of Miss Universe 2025
- Paraguay – Yanina Gómez (People’s Choice)
- India – Manika Vishwakarma
- Guadeloupe – Ophély Mézino
- China – Zhao Na
- Thailand – Veena Praveenar Singh
- Dominican Republic – Jennifer Ventura
- Brazil – Maria Gabriela Lacerda
- Rwanda – Solange Tuyishime Keita
- Côte d’Ivoire – Olivia Yacé
- Colombia – Vanessa Pulgarín
- Netherlands – Nathalie Mogbelzada
- Cuba – Lina Luaces
- Bangladesh – Tangia Zaman Methila
- Japan – Kaori Hashimoto
- Puerto Rico – Zashely Alicea Rivera
- USA – Audrey Eckert
- Mexico – Fátima Bosch
- Philippines – Ahtisa Manalo
- Zimbabwe – Lyshanda Moyas
- Costa Rica – Mahyla Roth
- Malta – Julia Cluett
- Chile – María Ignacia “Inna” Moll
- Canada – Jaime VandenBerg
- Miss Universe Latina – Yamilex Hernández
- Croatia – Laura Gnjatović
- Venezuela – Stephany Abasali
- Guatemala – Raschel Paz
- Palestine – Nadeen Ayoub
- Nicaragua – Itza Castillo
- France – Ève Gilles
Special Awards
- Miss Photogenic – Costa Rica, Mahyla Roth
- Miss Congeniality – Turkey, Ceren Arslan
- Best Skin Award – Indonesia, Sanly Liu
- People’s Choice – Paraguay, Yanina Gómez
Major Controversies That Dominated Miss Universe 2025
Miss Universe 2025 became the most controversial edition in years, with multiple disputes capturing international attention.
1. Intellectual Property Dispute with Miss Universe Thailand
A “Special Dinner and Talk Show” event organized by Miss Universe Thailand was publicly declared unauthorized by the Miss Universe Organization (MUO). This led to legal discussions, public statements, and eventually the cancellation of the event on 6 November.
2. Casino Promotion Incident
Organizers were accused of directing contestants to film promotional videos for an online gambling website—illegal in Thailand. Police investigations were launched. MUO denied involvement, while local organizers claimed the instructions came from MUO.
3. The Sash Ceremony Walkout
One of the biggest controversies involved Nawat Itsaragrisil. During the sash ceremony, he accused Mexico’s Fátima Bosch of being “non-cooperative” and allegedly called her “dumb.” He had her escorted out by security.
In protest:
- Several contestants walked out.
- Reigning Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Theilvig left the event in solidarity.
MUO later restricted Nawat from official activities and apologized.
4. Judge Resignations and Alleged Rigging
Three judges resigned before finals, including:
- Omar Harfouch, who accused MUO of having a secret committee selecting the Top 30.
- Claude Makélélé, former football star.
- Princess Camilla di Borbone, head of the selection committee.
Harfouch also alleged that Mexico’s win was pre-arranged due to a business deal involving Fátima’s father. MUO denied all allegations.
Hours after the crowning, other judges hinted at transparency issues, claiming no accounting firm verified scores.
5. Voting Irregularities
People’s choice voting, originally scheduled to end on 19 November, was suddenly extended—without announcement. Overnight, Paraguay jumped to 1.6 million votes in one hour, raising suspicion. Fans demanded transparency.
Days later, Miss Palestine also released a video expressing concerns about possible tampering.
6. Withdrawals After the Finals
Miss Philippines Ahtisa Manalo declined the title of Miss Universe Asia to focus on business ventures.
Miss Côte d’Ivoire Olivia Yacé resigned her continental title for personal reasons.
Hosts, Judges, and Performances
The show’s theme was “The Power of Love.”
Host
- Steve Byrne (who later resigned after the coronation)
Commentators
- Dayanara Torres
- R’Bonney Gabriel
Performer
- Thai singer Jeff Satur added emotional depth to the night with live entertainment.
Judges
The panel included diverse personalities such as:
- Miniyothabo Baloyi – Zimbabwean army colonel
- Romero Britto – Brazilian artist
- Andrea Meza – Miss Universe 2020
- Natalie Glebova – Miss Universe 2005
- Saina Nehwal – Olympic badminton medalist
A Night of Triumph and Turbulence
Miss Universe 2025 will be remembered as a year of:
- powerful debuts
- emotional comebacks
- global representation
- leadership controversies
- judge resignations
- accusations of unfair results
- contestant walkouts
- rule changes
- and ultimately, a strong winner who rose above the chaos
Despite the challenges, the pageant delivered unforgettable performances, empowered women from around the world, and celebrated diversity on a global stage.
Fátima Bosch’s victory marked a historic fourth win for Mexico and opened a new chapter for Miss Universe—with hopes for more transparency, fairness, and unity in the years ahead.
Also read about “Fátima Bosch: Miss Universe 2025 with a Heart for Change“.