Mexico’s Fatima Bosch Wins Miss Universe 2025

BANGKOK: Mexico’s Fatima Bosch was crowned Miss Universe 2025 on Thursday in Nonthaburi, Thailand, concluding a high-profile competition marked by global attention, controversy and several historic milestones.

Bosch, a 25-year-old humanitarian and volunteer, secured the crown after emerging as a strong favourite throughout the three-week pageant.

In a dazzling finale held in Bangkok, Thailand, Mexico’s Fatima Bosch outshone finalists from around the world to win the 74th Miss Universe title. She was crowned by reigning Miss Universe 2024, Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark.

Her popularity grew notably after a livestreamed incident in which she was reprimanded by Miss Universe Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil, prompting several contestants to walk out in solidarity.

The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) later issued a reprimand over the exchange.

Thailand’s Veena Praveenar Singh finished as first runner-up, while Venezuela’s Stephany Abasali, the Philippines’ Ahtisa Manalo and Ivory Coast’s Olivia Yacé rounded out the top five.

This year’s edition featured 120 candidates, with the opening round narrowing the field to 30 contestants for the swimsuit segment.

Twelve contestants advanced to the evening gown competition, and five reached the final question-and-answer round.

The 2025 pageant also witnessed several historic firsts. Nadeen Ayoub became the first woman to represent the Palestinian people at Miss Universe and reached the top 30.

United Arab Emirates

The UAE made its debut with contestant Mariam Mohamed. Other Arab nations represented included Egypt, Lebanon, Iraq and Jordan.

The competition unfolded during a leadership transition within MUO, following the departure of Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip and the appointment of Mario Búcaro as the new CEO.

Further turbulence surrounded the event when former titleholder Alicia Machado faced backlash for racist remarks made during an Instagram livestream.

Days before the grand finale, judges Omar Harfouch and Claude Makélélé resigned, with Harfouch alleging irregularities in the judging process — claims the MUO denied.

Bosch received the crown from outgoing Miss Universe 2024, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig of Denmark, sealing a dramatic and memorable edition of the global pageant.