List Of Contestants In The 73rd Miss Universe Competition

The Miss Universe pageant is making a grand return, with over 120 contestants vying for the prestigious crown.

• The 73rd Miss Universe event will be held in Mexico City this Saturday.

• Participants from more than 120 countries are competing.

• Among the contestants are a biochemist, a mother of three, and a former figure skating champion.

The 2024 pageant will take place on Saturday night in Mexico City, where the reigning Miss Universe, Sheynnis Palacios from Nicaragua, will crown her successor

Albania: Franceska Rustem

At 19 years old, Franceska Rustem is among the youngest participants in this year’s Miss Universe pageant. Hailing from Durrës, Albania, she is a model and television presenter. Additionally, she actively speaks out against bullying on her social media channels.

Angola: Nelma Ferreira

Nelma Ferreira, 26, is involved in company management and administration. She is dedicated to volunteering and supporting social causes, with a strong focus on enhancing gender equality and combating world hunger. Additionally, she heads a project named Kamba, which offers sexual and reproductive education to young women in Angola.

Argentina: Magal Benejam

Magal Benejam, 29, is a model who has participated in fashion shows, featured in advertisements, and graced magazine pages. To prepare for Miss Universe, she has taken courses in makeup, hairstyling, public speaking, and runway walking. She considers herself a perfectionist. Additionally, Benejam is a vegetarian and an advocate for animal rights.

Emma Avanesian, 32, is a multifaceted individual. Currently a mother and the founder of a modeling agency, she has also been a singer, dancer, model, fitness instructor, and financier. She aspires to work as an actor and cinematographer in Hollywood films and is dedicated to mentoring young women towards achieving success.

Anouk Eman, 32, was on the verge of realizing her dream of becoming an Olympic synchronized swimmer when she unexpectedly required spinal surgery to treat severe scoliosis. She shared with the Miss Universe organization that the 24 iron rods now in her back have turned her into an “iron woman.” In her spare time, she frequently volunteers with Red Cross Aruba.

Zoe Creed, 23, juggles two roles: model and owner of an online Pilates training service. She is particularly passionate about promoting women’s health. Motivated by her own battle with endometriosis, she actively speaks out against the dismissal of women’s health issues and aims to inspire others to advocate for themselves.

During the pageant, it was revealed that Selvinique Wright’s vibrant outfit, highlighted by a large fish headpiece, drew inspiration from the Bahamian festival Junkanoo. Her pink bodysuit was heavily beaded, and her tulle skirt resembled the ocean. Additionally, she wore a colorful backpiece that made her appear like an ocean reef. Wright, 32, is an advocate for women’s health and the founder of Women’s Health Us First.

Shereen Ahmed, 30, was brought up by a single mother and is now dedicated to advocating for others. Her project, Hope Bahrain, seeks to offer resources to mothers in need and boost their morale. She is a journalist, television host, and social media content creator.

Eleonora Kachalovskaya, 24, has a strong passion for sports, traveling, and supporting children and teenagers with special needs. She is an alumna of the Belarusian State University of Culture and Art.

Kenza Ameloot, 22, is studying business and works as a professional model. Her greatest passions include assisting children in need and promoting education for students. During her free time and holidays, she frequently visits Rwanda, her mother’s homeland.

Halima Hoy, 30, has a diverse heritage, with a Garifuna mother from Guatemala and a mestizo Muslim father. Professionally, she is a certified personal trainer. Additionally, she volunteers with UNICEF Belize to raise awareness for children, the elderly, and those at risk of non-communicable diseases.

Juliana Barrientos, a 27-year-old biochemist and pharmacist, transformed herself into an owl inspired by a Tobas dancer for the costume contest, as she shared on Instagram. The look, designed by Qhapaq an Art, featured a sparkly cropped black top and a floor-length skirt adorned with black beading to resemble white feathers. The highlight of her outfit was a backpiece designed to look like a massive owl with wings resting beside her torso.

Ruby Pouchet, 29, is a communications specialist and government official. She is deeply passionate about environmental protection and believes women can spearhead the sustainability movement. Pouchet is the first woman to represent Bonaire in the Miss Universe competition in 25 years.

Thanolo Keutlwile, 28, is a women’s health doctor at Princess Marina Hospital in Botswana, holding degrees in medicine and surgery. Her Miss Universe initiative, Diamond For Development, showcases how Botswana has leveraged its diamond resources for sustainable growth.

Luana Cavalcante, 25, made history as the first married woman and mother to win the Miss Universe Brazil title. She is a model and has one son, whom she hopes will be inspired by her Miss Universe journey.

Deyounce Lowenfield, a 20-year-old entrepreneur from the British Virgin Islands, recently earned her degree in business administration. She has been practicing yoga to get ready for her participation in the Miss Universe pageant. Through her work and platform, she aspires to inspire and empower the younger generation.

Elena Vian, 38, aimed to represent the “strength and subtle danger” of female beauty with her national costume at Miss Universe. Her outfit included a red bralette, shorts, knee-high boots, and bright-red hair. She wore a gold headpiece and shoulder piece decorated with roses, and a gold choker that extended up her neck as she theatrically spit out fake blood on stage. Vian holds a master’s degree in economics, designs costumes for live performances, and is a mother to a 4-year-old daughter.

Davin Prasath, 33, dedicates much of her time to volunteering and community service. She is especially committed to empowering women and children to overcome poverty and educational challenges. Prasath founded the Voice for Change - Tuk Chet Association to advocate for these groups and make a difference. Noura Njikam, 25, has a wide range of interests, particularly in art and culture. She is also vocal online about ending domestic violence and motivating young people to speak out against injustices.

Ashley Callingbull, a 35-year-old from the Enoch Cree Nation, is a dedicated First Nations activist. Her activism has taken her to prestigious platforms like Harvard University, where she delivered a speech, and earned her a United Nations Role Model award. In addition to her activism, Callingbull is also a sports TV host, model, and actor.

Raegan Rutty, a 22-year-old gymnast, made history in 2020 by representing the Cayman Islands at the Olympic Games. She started gymnastics at the age of four and is also an avid fisherwoman. Additionally, she is dedicated to combating the stigma associated with mental health.

Emilia Dides, 25, is no stranger to competition. She won a well-known Chilean singing contest in 2019 and continues to advance her music career. Dides is a strong advocate for the positive impact of music on mental health and is passionate about promoting music therapy globally.

Jia Qi, 26, is a former sprint athlete who started her athletic journey at the age of 10 with the National Youth Athletics Team. She places a high value on health and fitness, frequently sharing her wellness advice on social media.

Daniela Toloza Rocha, 30, holds a senior management position and works in public relations. She is also a fashion designer specializing in inclusive clothing. Daniela frequently shares her outfits on Instagram, often wearing meaningful garments that celebrate women and her Colombian heritage.

Elena Hidalgo, a 32-year-old mother and model from Costa Rica, champions gender equality. She is committed to demonstrating that any dream is attainable, as she pursues a degree in nutrition.

Marie-Emmanuelle Diamala, a 21-year-old from Côte d’Ivoire, is dedicated to making a significant impact on women’s lives. With a finance degree under her belt, she is now channeling her efforts into reducing maternal mortality through her Miss Universe platform. Additionally, she advocates for peace on Instagram and strives to harmonize modernity with tradition in her homeland.

Croatia: Zrinka Ori Zrinka Ori, a 23-year-old student at the Zagreb School of Economics and Management, balances her studies with a job at an IT and distribution company. However, her true passion lies in humanitarian work. Through her initiative, Cycle of Support, she provides hygiene and menstrual supplies to girls in Tanzania.

Marianela Ancheta, a 31-year-old businesswoman and model from Cuba, showcased an outfit inspired by the goddess Oshun, symbolizing fertility and love, on Instagram. Dressed entirely in gold, which is traditionally linked to Oshun, Ancheta’s ensemble featured a sparkling bodice that transitioned into a skirt with large side cutouts and a flowing gold cape. Her look was completed with a sunflower-adorned headpiece and backpiece, shaped like a flower.

Kimberly de Boer, a 19-year-old from Curacao, aspires to a career in the art industry. She is currently studying graphic design and plans to pursue art history in the Netherlands. Additionally, she is a painter who uses her art both as a means of creative expression and for mental well-being.

Cyprus: Katerina Dimitriou

At 29 years old, Katerina Dimitriou is showcasing her fashion expertise at the Miss Universe competition. She started her modeling career at the age of 12 and is currently a social media influencer. On Instagram, Dimitriou frequently shares her fashion choices from the different countries she visits.

Marie Dani, a 28-year-old from the Czech Republic, identifies as a “movie and theatre enthusiast.” She enjoys playing basketball and exploring new cuisines. In the Miss Universe competition, Dani’s goal is to stay authentic and promote individuality across various fields.

Victoria Kjær Theilvig, 21, from Denmark, showcased a vibrant costume designed by Neftali Jahaziel Espinoza and Stalyn Nuez. The outfit, which she highlighted on Instagram, included a dazzling yellow set with flame-like details. Her red feathered backpiece featured gold and red sparkly patterns matching her costume. The ensemble was completed with red gloves, a large headpiece, and decorated ankle cuffs. Theilvig is a successful competitive dancer with aspirations of becoming a lawyer.

Celinee Santos, 24, is currently interning at the San Cristóbal Court in Santo Domingo following her graduation from law school. She is passionate about sustainability and creating a better world, and she actively advocates for young girls in the Dominican Republic.

Ilda Amani, 26, hails from South Kivu province. Despite the ongoing conflict in her region, she is dedicated to promoting peace through her professional endeavors and highlighting the voices of Congolese women at the Miss Universe competition. Amani holds a degree in business administration and management.

Mara Topić, 29, is a director and actor known for her roles in shows like “Law and Order” and collaborations with artists like Daddy Yankee. Her Miss Universe initiative, Mentes Valientes, focuses on advocating for mental health and translates to Brave Minds.

Logina Salah, 34, holds a degree in finance, but her achievements extend far beyond this field. She is a mother, model, TV presenter, makeup artist, and life coach. Salah is also leveraging her platform to de-stigmatize Vitiligo, a skin condition she has.

Florence García, 26, is bilingual and versatile. In addition to being a philanthropist and entertainment reporter, she is also working towards a double major in business administration and mass communications.

Diana Angono Mouhafo, 25, is currently a model and holds a degree in commerce and marketing. She is also a mother to a 4-year-old son and is pursuing studies in business administration.

Eritrea: Snit Tewoldemedhin

Snit Tewoldemedhin, 25, is honoring two significant family members through her participation in the Miss Universe competition. She draws inspiration from her sister, who has Down syndrome, and her late mother, who battled breast cancer.

Estonia: Valeria Vasilieva

Valeria Vasilieva's costume featured a glittering bodice adorned with blue and gold gems and a blue feathered skirt. Her backpiece was decorated with white, black, and blue feathers, representing Estonia's flag. She carried a sword and a sparkling shield with the three blue lions from Estonia's coat of arms. Vasilieva, 23, is an actor and entrepreneur who owns a talent agency.

Fiji: Manshika Prasad

Manshika Prasad, 24, believes her role in the Miss Universe competition goes beyond fashion and crowns. She is dedicated to advocating for domestic violence survivors, including herself, and working to prevent future violence against women.

Finland: Matilda Wirtavuori

Matilda Wirtavuori, 24, holds a master's degree in business from Tampere University. She is both a model and entrepreneur and founded the charity project Mind the Future to support children's mental health.

France: Indira Ampiot

Indira Ampiot's dazzling outfit included a patriotic cape in the colors of France's flag, matching her top. She wore sheer sparkling gloves and a dramatic necklace. Her bright-red hat paid tribute to the classic French beret, and the white feathers symbolized the Gallic rooster. Ampiot, 20, from Guadeloupe, is a passionate advocate for cultural diversity and French heritage.

Germany: Pia Theissen

Pia Theissen, 26, has devoted her life to supporting mental health. She works as a social worker, yoga teacher, and occupational therapist.

Gibraltar: Shyanne Mcintosh

Shyanne Mcintosh, 25, is an accountant representing Gibraltar at Miss Universe after a 34-year absence. According to the Gibraltar Chronicle, she is the shortest contestant in Miss Universe history.

Great Britain: Christina Chalk

Christina Chalk, 31, has a degree in pharmacology but has worked in fashion and technology. She currently works with Concierge Auctions and founded the Self Esteem Queens project. Chalk is both Scottish and Filipina.

Greece: Christianna Katsieri

Christianna Katsieri, 21, is a model who has won several pageants in Greece, including Miss GS Hellas and Miss Earth Greece.

Guadeloupe: Coraly Desplan

Coraly Desplan, 20, is a model and fashion enthusiast. In her Voices for Change video, she expressed her desire to use her platform to help people with sickle cell anemia, a condition that affects her family members.

Guatemala: Ana Gabriela Villanueva

Ana Gabriela Villanueva, 22, is a model and law student. She received a gold medal for her Voices for Change initiative, "Together we end the poverty," which aims to combat chronic malnutrition in Guatemala.

Guinea: Saran Bah

Saran Bah, 29, is pursuing a master's degree in business administration and works for a government nonprofit. She is the first Miss Guinea to compete in Miss Universe and uses her title to support her platform, EmpowerHER, which advocates for women's rights and health.

Guyana: Ariana Blaize

Ariana Blaize, 26, is a nursing student at Georgia State University in the US. She has experience in pageants, having placed in the top 16 at Miss Georgia USA in 2024.

Hong Kong: Joanne Rhodes

Joanne Rhodes, 24, co-founded the Hong Kong Art Foundation in 2023 after earning her master's degree in art from University College London. A travel enthusiast, she has visited over 20 countries.

Honduras: Stephanie Cam

Stephanie Cam, 32, is a model, content creator, and single mother. She wore a black cropped top paired with a skirt embellished with multicolored beads. Her backpiece, attached to her arms, cascaded to the floor with layers of fabric, each depicting different aspects of Honduran culture. As she walked the runway, she revealed new elements of her homeland by dropping the layers. A wide-brimmed hat completed her vibrant outfit.

Hungary: Nóra Kenz

Nóra Kenz, 28, works as both a model and a pharmacist. She also founded a gym aimed at providing a safe and supportive environment for women to exercise.

Iceland: Sólrún Vala Þórsdóttir

Sólrún Vala Þórsdóttir, 18, is one of the younger contestants in the pageant. She is still in high school and aspires to become a pilot, according to Missology.

India: Rhea Singha

Rhea Singha, 19, is primarily a model and actor, but she is also a social worker and entrepreneur. She has been participating in pageants since she was 15.

Lebanon: Nada Koussa

Nada Koussa, 26, holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's in clinical psychology. She currently works as a clinical psychologist.

Macau: Cassandra Chiu

Cassandra Chiu, 23, is the first Miss Macau to compete in Miss Universe. She is a dancer, model, and digital creator, and she advocates for mental health and animal rescue.

Moldova: Djulieta Calalb

Djulieta Calalb, 20, is the first-ever Miss Universe Moldova. She organizes fashion events in Moldova and Romania and advocates for sports development.

Nigeria: Chidinma Adetishina

Chidinma Adetishina, 23, has had a challenging journey to the Miss Universe stage. She initially competed for Miss South Africa 2024 but withdrew due to social media attacks about her nationality. She was later invited to compete in Miss Nigeria, which she won in September. Adetishina is a law student and athlete who promotes "diversity, equity, and inclusion" as part of her Miss Universe platform.

Russia: Valentina Alekseeva

Valentina Alekseeva, 18, graduated from high school this year and is now studying at the Pirogov National Research Medical University in Moscow. She aspires to become an oncologist.