During the 73rd edition of the prestigious Miss Universe pageant, held on the night of Saturday 16 to Sunday 17 November at the CDMX Arena in Mexico City, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, Miss Denmark, was crowned Miss Universe 2024. Aged 21, she succeeds Sheynnis Palacios, Miss Nicaragua 2023, and becomes the first European to win this title since the victory of the Frenchwoman Iris Mittenaere in 2016.
The Danish woman beat Chidimma Adetshina, Miss Nigeria, who was named first runner-up, and María Fernanda Beltrán Figueroa, Miss Mexico, who completed the podium. Thailand's Suchata Chuangsri and Venezuela's Ileana Márquez took fourth and fifth place respectively. This year, 127 candidates from all over the world competed in elegance, charisma and talent to hope to win the precious crown.
Indira Ampiot, Miss France 2023, in the Top 30
French representative Indira Ampiot, Miss France 2023, managed to climb to 20th place, marking progress compared to her compatriot Diane Leyre, who was eliminated before the Top 20 in 2023. The 20-year-old from Guadeloupe stood out during the fashion shows in swimsuits, evening gowns and traditional attire. Her performance in the "Preliminary Show" was particularly memorable: she dazzled the audience in a blue bikini, displaying remarkable confidence and grace.
On Instagram, her performance was widely praised. Cindy Fabre, director of the Miss France committee, called her show a “crazy catwalk.” Iris Mittenaere, Miss Universe 2016, enthusiastically commented: “Popopoww,” while Clémence Botino, Miss France 2020, declared: “What confidence! You are magnificent and make us all proud.”
An edition marked by openness and diversity
This year, the pageant introduced a major novelty by removing the age limit. Of the 127 participants, 24 were over 30 years old, including Beatrice Njoya, Miss Malta, who at 40 was the oldest contestant. In addition, countries such as Iran, Eritrea and Somalia participated for the first time, reinforcing the global reach of the event.
Miss Universe 2024 once again celebrated cultural diversity and beauty in all its forms, providing a unique platform for these women to promote causes that are close to their hearts and inspire the world. With Victoria Kjaer Theilvig as ambassador, this edition will be one to remember.
