Fatima Bosch of Mexico has been crowned Miss Universe 2025 in a scandal-hit pageant, emerging as a fan favorite after a live-streamed incident in which she was berated by a Thai pageant director, prompting several contestants to walk out.
The 25-year-old humanitarian and volunteer was crowned by last year’s winner, Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark.
Miss Universe, often called the “Super Bowl” of beauty pageants, draws millions of viewers annually. Delegates from each country are selected through local pageants licensed by the Miss Universe Organization.
Thailand’s Praveenar Singh was the runner-up, while Venezuela’s Stephany Abasali, the Philippines’ Ahtisa Manalo, and Ivory Coast’s Olivia Yacé completed the top five. Thailand, this year’s host country, boasts a vibrant pageant industry and one of the largest fan bases in Asia, alongside the Philippines.
The competition featured representatives from 120 countries. Notably, Nadeen Ayoub became the first woman to represent the Palestinian people at Miss Universe and advanced to the top 30 semifinalists.
Friday’s finale was hosted by American comedian Steve Byrne and opened with a performance by Thai singer Jeff Satur. Following the swimwear round, the top 30 contestants were narrowed down to 12, and then to five finalists after the evening gown segment.
Finalists were asked questions including which global issues they would address at the United Nations General Assembly and how they would use the Miss Universe platform to empower young girls. “Believe in the power of your authenticity,” Bosch said. “Your dreams matter, your heart matters. Never let anyone make you doubt your worth.”
The three-week competition included tours and rehearsals across Thailand. On Wednesday, contestants showcased national costumes highlighting their homelands. Miss USA Audrey Eckert paid tribute to her country with an elaborate bald eagle ensemble designed by Simon Villalba.
The Miss Universe Organization emphasized that all competition evaluations followed established, transparent, and supervised protocols, despite recent controversies. Former French soccer star Claude Makélélé stepped down as a judge citing “unforeseen personal reasons,” while Thai media tycoon Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip resigned as CEO in June, with Mario Búcaro appointed in October.
Next year’s Miss Universe contest will be held in Puerto Rico.
