VICTORIA Kjær Theilvig of Denmark made history Sunday morning (Manila time) as the first representative from her country to win the Miss Universe title.
Theilvig's coronation highlighted the 73rd edition of the pageant held at Arena CDMX in Mexico City, Mexico.
She also became the first European winner since France's Iris Mittenaere in 2016.
The Philippines' Chelsea Manalo failed to advance to the Top 30 of the competition.
Historic win Miss Universe 2024, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig from Denmark, reacts as she is crowned after winning the 73rd edition of the Miss Universe pageant in Mexico City on Nov. 16, 2024. Photo by CARL DE SOUZA/AFPThe 21-year-old Dane, who bested over 125 candidates from around the world, succeeded Nicaragua's Sheynnis Palacios.
Nigeria's Chidimma Adetshina was 1st runner-up, Mexico's María Fernanda Beltrán 2nd runner-up, Suchata Chuangsri of Thailand 3rd runner-up, and Venezuela's Ileana Márquez 4th runner-up.
During the final question-and-answer segment, the five finalists were asked the same question, "Miss Universe has inspired generations of women. What do you want to say to the ones watching you now?" Theilvig replied: "My message to all the world that is watching out there is, no matter where you come from, no matter your past, you can always choose to turn it into your strengths. It will never define who you are; you just got to keep fighting. I stand here today because I want to change, I want to make history, and that's what I'm doing tonight. So never give up, always believe in yourself and your dreams, and that is exactly what you're going to do."
Theilvig is a European and World Championship dancer, beauty entrepreneur, mental health advocate, animal protection advocate, and aspiring lawyer.
During the swimsuit competition, the 25-year-old Manalo captivated the audience as she strutted the runway in a purple two-piece bikini paired with a sheer gold cape.
Many had hoped the Bulakenya would make it to the Top 12 after her standout performance featuring her signature "tampisaw" walk.
"With or without a crown, you are the epitome of Filipina strength and beauty, Chelsea!" Miss Universe Philippines wrote in an Instagram post.
"Thank you for giving the country a good fight! We're proud of you!" the organization said.
In a separate Instagram post, Manalo revealed the stunning evening gown she would have worn had she advanced to the Top 12.
Named "Perlas ng Silangan," the Tiffany gown featured a plunging neckline complemented by a feathered turquoise cape.
This masterpiece was designed by fellow Bulakenyo Manny Halasan, who also designed Manalo's national costume and preliminary evening gown.
"This Tiffany gown shows modern glamor meets timeless grace. A statement that our Queen is ready to be seen and will make her mark," Halasan said.
After the pageant, Manalo was named Miss Universe Asia during a press conference. The other continental queens are Finland (Europe and the Middle East), Peru (Americas), and Nigeria (Africa and Oceania).
On Instagram, Miss Universe Philippines shared a video of Manalo after the announcement, saying, "Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! We are making history as Miss Universe Asia." As Miss Universe Asia, she will travel across the region and accompany the newly crowned Miss Universe on select trips.
The 73rd Miss Universe competition was hosted by Olivia Culpo and Mario Lopez, with Catriona Gray and Zuri Hall as backstage correspondents.
The pageant will be heading to Argentina in 2025.