The 74th edition of the Miss Universe pageant in Nonthaburi, Thailand, concluded on 21 November 2025, with Mexico’s Fátima Bosch claiming the crown after an evening marked as much by conflict as by glamour. Bosch received the crown from outgoing winner Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark at the Impact Challenger Hall, securing Mexico’s fourth title in the competition’s history. Her confident delivery during the question-and-answer segment and her commitment to environmental conservation drew praise both in the arena and across digital platforms.
Bosch’s coronation came at a significant moment in the global pageant industry, which has been shaped by conversations around inclusion, representation, and ethics. With delegates arriving in Thailand as early as 2 November 2025 for pre-pageant activities, months of anticipation built around an event that unexpectedly transformed Bosch into a symbol of resilience. Speaking about her experience, Bosch emphasized the importance of integrity on and off the stage: “I just try to be kind … this is a platform for our voice.”
Controversy Overshadows Competition
The celebratory atmosphere of her win contrasted sharply with events leading up to the final night. Weeks before the coronation, Bosch clashed with the pageant’s Thai director, Nawat Itsaragrisil, after reportedly refusing to join a promotional photo shoot. Itsaragrisil publicly criticized her on social media, prompting intense backlash from supporters and contestants. Bosch defended her stance directly, responding that she spoke up “because I have a voice. You are not respecting me as a woman.”
The conflict escalated rapidly, triggering solidarity among some contestants—several even walked out of rehearsals in protest. The tension reached a breaking point when two judges resigned just days before the final competition, expressing concerns over “fairness” and “treatment backstage.” Facing mounting criticism, Itsaragrisil issued a public apology, stating: “I am human. I didn’t want to do anything like that … I am so sorry.” Miss Universe president Raúl Rocha later condemned the incident, asserting: “I will not allow the values of respect and dignity of women to be violated.”
The competition’s chaotic tone deepened when the Jamaican delegate fell during a preliminary evening gown segment and required assistance offstage. Though she later returned, the incident fueled concerns about contestant safety and pressure within elite pageantry.
A Milestone for Diversity and Representation
Despite the turmoil, the 74th edition stood out as a landmark for representation. Vietnamese contestant Nguyễn Hương Giang, a famous transgender artist and television personality, became one of the event’s most discussed participants, drawing widespread applause for her performance and advocacy. Her participation continued Miss Universe’s growing shift toward inclusivity, after recent eligibility reforms welcomed married women, mothers, and transgender individuals into the competition.
The runner-ups reflected a new face of pageantry grounded in social impact. Praveenar Singh of Thailand, named first runner-up, impressed audiences with her polished speech calling for ethical treatment in competitions. Venezuela’s Stephany Abasali, the second runner-up, highlighted women’s entrepreneurship and economic empowerment. Ahtisa Manalo of the Philippines, third runner-up, advocated for women’s financial literacy, while Côte d’Ivoire’s Olivia Yacé, in fourth place, underscored community healthcare initiatives in West Africa.
Together, the finalists underscored Miss Universe’s evolution into a platform that elevates social activism alongside traditional elements of beauty and performance.
In the end, Fátima Bosch’s triumph became a narrative of perseverance, shaped not only by competition but by public confrontation and calls for reform. As the Miss Universe Organization faces heightened scrutiny, her reign begins at a critical moment—one that demands greater accountability, transparency, and empowerment beyond spectacle. Whether the controversy leads to genuine institutional change will depend partly on Bosch, but also on the global community now watching more closely than ever.
