MANILA, Philippines — Fatima Bosch of Mexico has been named the winner of the 74th Miss Universe pageant taking place in Thailand.
She was crowned by outgoing queen Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, the first-ever winner from Denmark.
This is Mexico's fourth Miss Universe title, tying the record of the Philippines. Only the United States (9), Venezuela (7), and Puerto Rico (5) have won more than both countries.
Mexico's most recent winner before Fatima, Andrea Meza who was crowned in 2020, was a part of this year's Selection Committee.
The Philippines' Ahtisa Manalo finished as the third runner-up, the country's best finish since Bea Luigi Gomez placed in the Top 5 of Miss Universe 2021.
The royal court of Miss Universe 2025 is composed of:
- Winner: Olivia Yace of Cote d'Ivoire
- First runner-up: Praveenar Singh of Thailand
- Second runner-up: Stephany Abasali of Venezuela
- Third runner-up: Ahtisa Manalo of the Philippines
- Fourth runner-up: Olivia Yace of Cote d'Ivoire
Fatima's journey to Miss Universe had a rough start because of a heated exchange she had with Miss Universe executive director and Miss Universe Thailand national director Nawat Itsaragrisil during the sashing ceremony earlier this month.
Nawat claimed Fatima was one of the queens allegedly not complying with the local franchise's promo efforts and even called security on her.
The heated encounter did not sit well with Victoria, who walked out of the room, followed by Fatima and several other beauty queens.
The Miss Universe Organization, through president Raul Rocha (who also hails from Mexico), called out Nawat for his actions. Nawat eventually apologized for the incident and clarifed he meant nothing ill towards Fatima or other contestants.
The 74th edition of Miss Universe, which returned to Thailand after the 2018 pageant won by the Philippines' Catriona Gray, saw the 120 candidates cut to 30 semifinalists in the swimsuit round.
They were further cut to a Top 12 candidates to compete in the evening gown round, and the final cut at Top 5 saw the remaning delegates face off in question and answer segment.
All eyes now head to Puerto Rico for the diamond celebration of Miss Universe.