Victoria Kjær Theilvig, hailing from Denmark, has etched her name in history books by winning the prestigious Miss Universe title for 2024. The monumental moment unfolded on November 16, 2024, at the Arena Ciudad de Mexico, where Theilvig became the first contestant from Denmark to don the coveted crown.
Theilvig, 21, who is not just a beauty contestant but also a competitive dancer, entrepreneur, and aspiring lawyer, triumphed over 124 competitors from around the globe. The competition featured various segments, including swimwear, evening gown, and national costume presentations, culminating in her dazzling victory. Chidimma Vanessa from Nigeria was named the first runner-up, with Maria Fernanda Beltran from Mexico, Suchata Chuangsri from Thailand, and Ileana Marquez Pedroza from Venezuela rounding out the top five contestants.
Emotions ran high as the contestants awaited the final announcement, and Theilvig was seen holding hands with Adetshina as they both anticipated the results. The heart-pounding moment was amplified as Theilvig crouched to the ground when her name was revealed as the winner, marking the end of her extensive preparation and commitment to the competition. Theilvig accepted her crown from the outgoing titleholder, Miss Universe 2023, Sheynnis Palacios from Nicaragua, symbolizing the continuation of tradition and the passing down of values from one queen to the next.
Throughout her performance, Theilvig showcased her extraordinary poise, strength, and passion. Prior to her crowning, she delivered a poignant message, urging viewers to “keep fighting ... no matter where you come from.” She emphasized her commitment to making history and enacting change, reflecting her overarching platform of advocacy for animal protection, which aligns with her personal values and aspirations.
The grand event took place inside the 20,000-capacity venue, with notable personalities Mario Lopez and Olivia Culpo taking on the hosting duties, adding to the glamor of the night. The evening included captivating performances—one highlight being the incorporation of 131 mariachi musicians who joined Taboo from the Black Eyed Peas to perform “Mexicana,” penned by Emilio Estefan. This year’s contest celebrated Mexico's third time hosting the event, introducing exciting elements to the competition’s rich legacy.
Despite the celebrations, the road to the crown for Miss Universe 2024 was not without its controversies. Just two weeks before the event, Italy Mora, the contestant from Panama, was disqualified following allegations of breaching competition protocols during unauthorized hotel visits with her boyfriend. The Miss Universe organization, which has stringent rules to maintain the integrity of the competition, stated, "The Miss Universe organization regrets to announce the withdrawal of Panama’s candidate from the Miss Universe 2024 pageant after careful evaluation by our disciplinary commission.” Mora later addressed the incident, acknowledging the rules and taking responsibility for her actions.
Theilvig’s historic win has not only illuminated her country on the global stage but has also sparked discussions around the increasing relevance of beauty pageants as platforms for empowerment and social advocacy. By taking center stage and delivering impactful messages, Theilvig aims to inspire change and challenge stereotypes, reinforcing the idea beauty transcends the superficial.
With her first sunrise as Miss Universe, Theilvig took to social media sharing her gratitude and excitement for the new chapter of her life, stating, “Waking up with gratitude, dreams, and a crown—ready to embrace this incrediblejourney.” This sentiment encapsulates both her personal pride and the responsibilities she embraces as the new Miss Universe. Her aspirations go beyond the tiara; she intends to leverage her platform to advocate for pressing issues she feels passionate about, ranging from social justice to environmental concerns.
The 73rd Miss Universe competition has set the stage for future contestants to carry on the tradition of combining beauty with purpose, signifying a shift toward more meaningful engagements within the pageantry world. With Theilvig’s victory, the possibilities seem endless for how she will use her title to create positive change both locally and internationally.
Following the crowning, social media erupted with congratulatory messages from fans, former contestants, and observers alike, all applauding the moment and reflecting on what it symbolizes for Denmark and beyond. Many expressed pride and joy at Theilvig’s historic achievement, viewing it as evidence of the progressive changes taking place within beauty culture.
Victoria Kjær Theilvig's tenure as Miss Universe is anticipated with great excitement and expectation, as the world watches to see how she will shape her reign and what impact she will make as the first Danish victor of this esteemed competition. Her unprecedented win serves as both motivation and inspiration for future contestants, reinforcing the ideal of using beauty as leverage to advocate for important causes. The coming year promises to be transformative, with Theilvig ready to take the world stage as not just a beauty queen, but as a trailblazer for the future of pageantry.
No doubt, Miss Universe 2024 will be remembered not just for the glam and competition, but for the narrative of resilience and passion embodied by its newly crowned queen, Victoria Kjær Theilvig. Time will tell how her reign will influence the narrative of beauty pageants and the lives of those she touches along the way.
