Miss Universe Portugal 2023 is Marina Machete


Miss Palmela, Marina Machete was crowned Miss Universe Portugal 2023 on Thursday, October 5 in Borba, District of Évora.

The 28-year-old beauty bested 16 other finalists to win the glittering competition. Aside from the crown, she also bagged the Miss Beautifully Confident award.

Her victory was historic as she became the first-ever transgender woman to become Miss Universe Portugal.

Diana Lopes of Guimarães and Elisabete Abreu of Câmara de Lobos were announced as the first and second runners-up, respectively.

Rounding out the Top 8 were the representatives of Lisboa, Andresa Neves, Odivelas, Sabrina Gladio, Sesimbra, Sandra Gonçalves, Setúbal, Bárbara Gavaia, and Sintra, Tatiana Pais.

The new Miss Universe Portugal succeeds last year's titleholder Telma Madeira who achieved a Top 16 placement at the 71st Miss Universe in New Orleans earlier this year.

"Proud to be the first trans woman to compete for the Miss Universe Portugal title," she wrote online prior to the national final.

"For many years I wasn't eligible to compete and now it's such an honor to be a part of this incredible group of candidates," she added.

Marina will now prepare to represent her country at Miss Universe 2023 in El Salvador this November.

Road to the 72nd Miss Universe:

Photos: Miss Universe Portugal / CNB Portugal

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