Miss Universe 2025: Mexico's Fatima Bosch wins the crown

Fatima Bosch of Mexico has been named Miss Universe 2025, emerging as a fan favorite in a competition marked by controversy. During a live-streamed meeting, Bosch was berated by a Thai pageant director, prompting a walkout by several contestants.

The 25-year-old humanitarian and volunteer was crowned by last year’s winner, Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark.

Top finalists

The top 5 finalists included:

• Runner-up: Thailand’s Praveenar Singh

• Other finalists: Venezuela’s Stephany Abasali, Philippines’ Ahtisa Manalo, and Ivory Coast’s Olivia Yacé

Thailand, this year’s host, has a vibrant pageant industry and one of the largest fanbases in Asia, alongside the Philippines.

Finale highlights

The Miss Universe 2025 finale was hosted by American comedian Steve Byrne and opened with a performance by Thai singer Jeff Satur. The competition began with 30 contestants, who were narrowed down to 12 after the swimwear round, and finally top 5 following the evening gown segment.

Questions and empowerment

Finalists were asked 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.

Bosch told the audience: “Believe in the power of your authenticity. Your dreams matter, your heart matters. Never let anyone make you doubt your worth.”

Three weeks of events

The pageant spanned three weeks, with delegates traveling around Thailand for rehearsals and participating in various events, showcasing their skills, personality, and advocacy platforms

Miss Universe 2025: Contestants, surprises, and controversies

The finalists for Miss Universe 2025 include Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Guadeloupe, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, China, the Philippines, Thailand, Malta, and Côte d’Ivoire. Adding star power to the judges’ panel is Indian badminton legend Saina Nehwal.

The competition began with 121 delegates (after withdrawals and disqualifications) making a grand entrance.

In a historic first, Miss Universe Latina, Mayotte, Niger, and Palestine will compete at the pageant, while Iraq, Slovenia, Sweden, Ghana, Haiti, Kosovo, and Panama return after several years away. Unfortunately, Iran has withdrawn from the competition.

Replacements and surprises

As always, Miss Universe 2025 has seen its share of unexpected developments:

• Congo: Déborah Djema was dethroned for refusing to sign a required contract; Dorcas Dienda replaced her.

• Trinidad and Tobago: Sihlé Letren stepped down for personal reasons; Latifah Morris took her place.

• Poland: Oliwia Mikulska withdrew.

• China: 2024 titleholder Xuhe Hou stepped down, with Zhao Na now representing the nation.

Theme and competition highlights

The Miss Universe Organisation describes the 2025 pageant as more than a celebration of beauty — it’s a global gathering of culture, purpose, and connection under the official theme, “The Power of Love.” The week-long competition includes interviews, personal stories, evening gowns, National Costume, and swimwear rounds.

Founded in 1952, the Miss Universe Organisation has a 70-year legacy, promoting leadership, education, social impact, diversity, and personal development among contestants and titleholders.

Controversies cloud the finale

This year, the pageant has been embroiled in allegations of rigging. Judge and composer Omar Harfouch resigned three days before the finale, followed by French soccer manager Claude Makélélé.

In response, the Miss Universe Organisation clarified: “No impromptu or unauthorised jury has been formed, and the official judges continue to evaluate delegates according to MUO protocols. Mr. Harfouch’s comments mischaracterized the process. We respect his withdrawal, and all competition procedures remain governed by the highest standards of transparency, integrity, and fairness.”