PAGEANT Circle

Danielle Adewisi, a medical doctor and advocate for women's health, was crowned Miss Universe Nigeria 2026 on Sunday, September 27 in Lagos. Following in the legacy of her mother Tonia Okogbenin, who won the same title in 1991, she is now gearing up to showcase Nigeria's pride at Miss Universe 2026 in Puerto Rico this coming November. Anita Osikhena, Myya Jones, Oluwafunmibi Ajaja, and Melissa Toghanro were announced as the first, second, third, and fourth runners-up, respectively. The new Miss Universe Nigeria is no stranger to pageantry, having previously competed in Miss Universe Great Britain in 2023 where she reached the Top 5. "As a medical doctor and the founder of my women's health charity, Scrub The Stigma, I have dedicated my life to improving access to healthcare and education for women and girls," she wrote online. "Now, I hope to amplify this impact while proudly representing Nigeria with that same purpose," she continued. Road to the 75th M...

Queen Elizabeth Makune was crowned Miss Universe Tanzania 2026 last Sunday, September 20 at Haddy Pro Hall, Mbezi Beach, Dar es Salaam. The 30-year-old public servant and health advocate from Mwanza beat over 20 other contestants to win the national pageant. She succeeds last year's winner Naisae Yona and will now prepare to represent Tanzania at the 75th Miss Universe (Miss Universe 2026) in Puerto Rico this November. The runners-up Merikaii Wavii (first), Sandra Giovinazzo (second), Melinda Enock (third), and Mariam Cosmas (fourth) were respectively awarded the titles Miss Supranational, Miss Charm, Miss Face of Humanity and Miss Aura Tanzania titles. The new Miss Universe Tanzania is not a stranger to beauty pageants. She is a former Miss Tanzania (Miss World Tanzania) winner who participated in Miss World 2018 in Sanya, China. "Sometimes, you only understand the journey when you look back and see how every chapter prepared you for the next. In 2018, I wore the crown as Mis...

Jordan is making an exciting return to Miss Universe after 66 years of absence with Destiny Anbar, a data engineer and esports advocate currently based in Texas, USA. The newly appointed Miss Universe Jordan 2026 will proudly represent Jordan at the Miss Universe 2026 pageant, which will be held in Puerto Rico this November. No stranger to pageantry, Destiny has graced the Miss Texas USA stage before, advancing to the semifinals in both 2023 and 2024. Situated in Southwest Asia in the rocky desert of the northern Arabian Peninsula, Jordan is famous for its ancient archaeological sites, especially Petra—the former Nabatean capital built around 300 B.C. The Arab country last participated back in 1960 with Helen Giatanapoulus and hasn't been represented since then. Photo: Miss Universe Jordan / Instagram

Daiana Stefani Pereyra has officially been named the new Miss Universe Argentina 2026 after the crowned titleholder Tamara Rogouski stepped down for personal reasons. The 28-year-old cabin crew competed for La Pampa and earned the first runner-up position at the national pageant in May. She will now gear up to represent Argentina at the Miss Universe 2026 pageant scheduled for Puerto Rico this November. "If there's something we Argentines have, it's that we know how to take on every challenge with our hearts," Daiana expressed on social media. "We are passionate, resilient and proud of our roots. And when we get to carry our flag into the world, we do it with our soul," she continued. Road to the 75th Miss Universe: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Korawat Yatfung (@yo_korawathairstylist) Photos: Jorge Amarista, Korawat Yatfung / Instagram

Jennifer Kraft Zhou was crowned the winner of the Miss Universe Hong Kong 2026 pageant on Friday, September 18 at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong. The 27-year-old content creator surpassed 14 other contestants to secure the title. She received her crown from her predecessor, last year's champion Lizzie Li. Alexis Leung and Angeline Leung earned the positions of first and second runners-up, respectively. Melanie Siu and Kevina Kwong completed the Top 5 finalists. The newly crowned Miss Universe Hong Kong will compete for Hong Kong at the 75th Miss Universe (Miss Universe 2026) competition in Puerto Rico this November. "I won. I'm very thankful for all your support. It's very emotional,," Jennifer expressed on social media, extending her gratitude to her dedicated online community as well as her family and friends for standing by her. Photo: Miss Universe Hong Kong

Veera Grönlund, a 30-year-old from Helsinki, was crowned Miss Suomi 2026 (Miss Finland 2026) on Saturday, September 5, at Hybridiarena Hype in Espoo. The passionate animal advocate and aspiring veterinarian will represent Finland at the Miss Universe 2026 pageant in Puerto Rico this coming November. Aleksandra Sofia Hannusaari, 22, from Tampere, and Sofia Singh, 30, from Helsinki, were awarded the titles of first and second runners-up, respectively. The newly crowned Miss Finland takes over from Tara Lehtonen, last year's first runner-up, who assumed the title after the previous winner, Sarah Dzafce, was dethroned due to a racism scandal. "Yesterday, one of my biggest goals became reality and I was crowned Miss Finland 2026. I entered this competition to look for the brightest crown and I gave it my all until the end," Veera shared online the day after the competition. "As Miss Finland, I will boldly stand behind my values: courage, responsibility and justice. I will...

Giada Folcia bested 20 other contestants to win Miss Universe Italy 2026 last Sunday, August 30 at Villa Cafiero a San Ferdinando di Puglia. The 36-year-old Lombardi-born model, originally from Monza, will represent Italy at Miss Universe 2026 in Puerto Rico this November. She succeeds last year's winner Lucilla Nori. Victoria Masprone and Fania Sorrentino were the first and second runners-up, respectively, while Natalia Mandryk and Antonietta Fragasso rounded out the Top 5 finalists. Completing the Top 10 were Michelle Barone, Ariadna Muro Dian, Sara Schina, Naomi Zaccaria, and Clarissa Aurora Acanfora. The new Miss Universe Italy is no stranger to pageantry. She has previously placed first runner-up at the national pageant in 2024 and returned as finalist in 2025. "I'm feeling incredibly happy and grateful for all the love I've received, for everyone who shared these special moments with me and, of course, to [Miss Universe Italy] for believing in me and for the trus...

María Vargas of Jalisco beat over 30 other contestants to win Miss Universe Mexico 2026 on Saturday, August 29 at Tierra Sagrada in Los Cabos, Baja California Sur. The 28-year-old model and businesswoman from Guadalajara will represent Mexico at Miss Universe 2026 in Puerto Rico this November. Mariana Macías of Michoacán finished as first runner-up while Fernanda Abaroa of Guerrero, Génesis Vera of Veracruz, and Ximena Ochoa of Ciudad de México placed second, third, and fourth runners-up, respectively. The contestants from Colima, María Zepeda, Morelos, Zayda Ríos, Nuevo León, Arisbe Cueto, Oaxaca, Estefany Luna, and Tabasco, Ximena Aranda were the Top 10 finalists. Top 16 semifinalists were from Baja California, Samantha Bastidas, Baja California Sur, Zelene Zazueta, Durango, Isela Hernández, Guanajuato, Cristina Muñoz, Sinaloa, Cristina Guillén, and Yucatán, Carla Osorio. Miss Universe 2025 beauties Lina Luaces from Cuba and Inna Moll from Chile were among the distinguished judges of...

Justus Kelley of Virginia edged out 50 other contestants to win Miss USA 2026 on Thursday, August 27 at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami, Florida. The 31-year-old senior philanthropic advisor and model also bagged the Best in Swimsuit award. She was crowned by her predecessor Audrey Eckert of Nebraska. Aileen Cerchiara of Florida was named first runner-up while Elizabeth Voight of Pennsylvania, Madeline Erickson of Iowa, and Alayzia Christopher of Utah were the second, third, and fourth runners-up, respectively. The rest of the Top 10 finalists were the contestants from Colorado, Jordyn Owen, Connecticut, Jaeden Hamelly, Nebraska, Emily Lenser, Nevada, Natalie Bode, and New York, Jenna Dykstra. Completing the Top 20 were from Arizona, Kaitlyn Humphrey, California, Acacia McBride, Indiana, Eniolá Oke, Kansas, Madilynn Becker, Kentucky, Brijet Finister, Louisiana, Ella Clark, Minnesota, Rachel Betterley, Montana, Lisbeth Fernández, New Mexico, Cara Rgnonti, and ...

Kaziah Liz Mejo, a 19-year-old law student from Kerala, was crowned Miss Universe India 2026 on Sunday, August 23, at the Zee Studios in Jaipur, Rajasthan. She takes over the title from last year's winner, Manika Vishwakarma, and is now gearing up to represent India at the Miss Universe 2026 pageant in Puerto Rico this November. Vaishnavi Ganesh was named first runner-up and is expected to represent India at Miss International 2026, which will take place in Tokyo, Japan, also this November. Anushri Satavlekar, Tejaswini Shrivastava, and Anubha Vashisth were announced as the second, third, and fourth runners-up, respectively. A total of 52 contestants from all over the country were selected to compete for this prestigious national title. The selection committee included former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen, reigning Miss Charm Anna Blanco from Venezuela, and previous Miss Universe India winners Celina Jaitly, Urvashi Rautela, and Rhea Singha. The new Miss Universe India is also model, ...

Caitlin Worthington was declared the winner of Miss Universe Australia 2026 at the national final on Wednesday, August 26, held at the Crown Melbourne. The 28-year-old radiographer and model from Brisbane succeeds her predecessor Lexie Brant. She will represent Australia at the Miss Universe 2026 pageant in Puerto Rico this November. Georgia Van Zaanen was awarded first runner-up, while Rowan Brent-White, Uma Dawson, and Kristabella Leembruggen took the second, third, and fourth runner-up positions, respectively. The remaining Top 10 finalists included Paige Bentley, Audrey Panagopoulos, Lilli Sauerwald, Sophie Trayner, and Jess Davis. The event was hosted by Australian stage and screen actor Rob Mills, alongside actress and former titleholder Maria Thattil. A total of 28 national finalists from around the country were chosen to compete for the crown. Australia has claimed the Miss Universe title on two occasions, first with Kerry Anne Wells in 1972 and then with Jennifer Hawkins in 20...

Tharina Botes, representing Bangkok, was crowned Miss Universe Thailand 2026 on Sunday, August 23 at MGI Hall in Bangkok. The 29-year-old beauty beat over 70 other contestants to win the national title and she will now represent Thailand at Miss Universe 2026 in Puerto Rico this November. Suttida Aiadpu of Phuket was named first runner-up while Helena Sarakan of Udon Thani, Sasiwararin Atsawahirankarn of Chiang Mai, and Manatsawee Nilbuala of Ubon Ratchathani were the second, third, and fourth runners-up, respectively. Last year's winner who finished first runner-up at Miss Universe 2025, Praveenar Singh of Saraburi, relinquished her reign at the end of the event. The new Miss Universe Thailand was born to a Thai mother and South African father. She was raised in Johannesburg and holds a degree in commerce and economics. "Thank you to my amazing team, my fans, and everyone who believed in me. I could not have done this without all of you. We finally did it," she shared on...

Aslihan Morali, from Ancaster, Ontario, was crowned Miss Universe Canada 2026 on Saturday, August 8 at the Chrysler Theatre in Windsor. The Turkish-Canadian advocate, entrepreneur, model and actor succeeds last year's winner Jaime VandenBerg and will represent Canada at the Miss Universe 2025 pageant in Puerto Rico this November. First runner-up Jabili Kandula was named Miss Cosmo Canada 2026 and will head to Vietnam for the Miss Cosmo 2026 competition later this year. Emilie Vos, Patricia Seward and Naomi Colford were announced the second, third and fourth runners-up, respectively. No stranger to pageantry, the new Miss Universe Canada has previously competed in Miss Supranational 2025 in Poland and bagged the Miss Congeniality award. Aslihan is a passionate humanitarian who founded the Leap Global Voices, an empowerment initiative dedicated to helping young girls recognize their potential and rewrite their own stories. "I believe deeply in the mission of the Miss Universe Or...

Susana Medina from Las Palmas beat 16 other contestants to win Miss Universe Spain 2026 on Saturday, July 18 in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife. The 27-year-old model and actress will represent Spain at the Miss Universe 2026 pageant in Puerto Rico this November. "Today starts a new phase filled with dreams, challenges and great opportunities. We are sure you will represent Spain with elegance, strength, authenticity and all your heart," the Miss Universe Spain organization shared online. The new Miss Universe Spain is no stranger to pageantry. In 2024, she was crowned Miss Grand Spain and finished third runner-up at Miss Grand International 2024 in Thailand. Prior to Saturday's national competition, Susana shared: "This evening, I will take the stage for the Miss Universe Spain grand final. Come what may, my heart is already full of gratitude for this journey and for everyone who has believed in me." Road to the 75th Miss Universe: View this post on Instag...

Sayuki Ito was crowned Miss Universe Japan 2026 on Tuesday, June 23 at the Shibuya City Cultural Center in Tokyo. The 26-year-old beauty from Fukuoka Prefecture will represent Japan at the Miss Universe 2026 pageant in Puerto Rico this November. Jasmyn Mimi Johnson and Erika Watanabe were named the first and second runners-up, respectivel, while Seiyu Hata and Mone Gibo completed the Top 5 finalists. The new Miss Universe Japan succeeds last year's winner Kaori Hashimoto from Tochigi. Road to the 75th Miss Universe: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miss Universe Japan Official (@missuniversejapan) Photos: Marai Ken, Miss Universe Japan / Instagram