Venezuela's glorious years at Miss Universe pageant
With an impressive seven winners so far, Venezuela can be considered a powerhouse country when it comes to the Miss Universe pageant.
There is no doubt that the annual Miss Venezuela is also regarded as one of the most prestigious and anticipated national pageants in the world.
Although the first titleholder was named in the early 1900s, the competition was officially established in 1952 — that same year the country debuted at Miss Universe.
Prior to its first victory in 1979 courtesy of Maritza Sayalero, Venezuela had already achieved several placements and runner-up finishes that seemed to herald glorious decades ahead.
Three more winners emerged during the 80s and 90s with Miss Universe 1981 Irene Sáez, Miss Universe 1986 Bárbara Palacios, and Miss Universe 1996 Alicia Machado
On top of that, from 1983 until 2003, the country achieved a total of 21 consecutive placements — the second-longest streak next to the USA.
Who would have thought that the shocking non-placement of Ana Karina Áñez in 2004 followed by Jictzad Viña in 2006 would lead to a historic back-to-back win a few years later.
Miss Universe 2008 Dayana Mendoza crowned her successor Miss Universe 2009 Stefanía Fernández on August 23, 2009 in Atlantis Paradise Island, Nassau, The Bahamas.
Only four years after that incredible moment, Venezuela captured its 7th crown courtesy of Miss Universe 2013 Gabriela Isler on November 9, 2013 in Moscow, Russia.
Looking at the trend, the South American country of 29 million people won Miss Universe every decade since the 70s.
The early 2020s also started off quite strong as Luiseth Materán placed in the Top 16 in 2021 and followed by an incredible first runner-up finish of Amanda Dudamel at Miss Universe 2022 in New Orleans.
Can we expect another crown for Venezuela anytime soon?
