MEXICO – Fatima Bosch, a 25-year-old humanitarian and volunteer, has been crowned Miss Universe 2025 in a glittering finale held in Thailand, despite the pageant being overshadowed by controversy.
Bosch became a fan favorite after being berated by a Thai pageant director during a pre-event meeting, which triggered a walkout by contestants. She ultimately triumphed, receiving the crown from last year’s winner, Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark.
Thailand’s Praveenar Singh finished as runner-up, while Venezuela’s Stephany Abasali, Philippines’ Ahtisa Manalo, and Ivory Coast’s Olivia Yacé rounded out the top five.
The Miss Universe pageant, often dubbed the “Super Bowl of beauty contests,” featured representatives from 120 countries. Notably, Nadeen Ayoub became the first woman to represent the Palestinian people, reaching the semifinals before elimination.
The finale was hosted by American comedian Steve Byrne and opened with a performance by Thai singer Jeff Satur, adding to the spectacle of one of the world’s most-watched cultural events.
