Mexico has crowned a new beauty queen who is set to represent the country at the 74th edition of Miss Universe in Thailand. Fátima Bosch, a 24-year-old fashion designer from Tabasco, was crowned on Saturday, September 13, at the Government Palace in Guadalajara, Jalisco. Excited to take over the title from Fernanda Beltrán, she spoke with HOLA! Américas about her journey as she prepares to compete for the Miss Universe crown on November 21.
“Well, my family is very excited, very proud. They are happy that this dream has come true and, above all, very committed to continuing to support me on my journey to Thailand,” she says with a big smile about the love her parents have shown her.
© IG: @missuniverse.mexico / @fatimaboschfdz / @bernardolozAs a child, Fátima used to watch the pageant with her mom. There was even a moment when she unknowingly gave a glimpse of her future. At around the age of five, when asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, she responded in a way that now feels prophetic. “I didn’t even remember that video, but it makes me laugh because they ask: ‘Fátima, what do you want to be when you grow up?’ And I say I want to help all people, while waving goodbye, almost like a beauty queen wave. Back then, it didn’t mean much to me when I saw the video, but now it makes sense. I’ve always enjoyed helping others. Since I was 14, I’ve been involved in philanthropy, charity, and community work. Looking at that video now, I realize that I kind of had that desire within me unconsciously as a child. It really touches me that people bring out those videos because I’ve always tried to present myself authentically, just as I am, without masks. I value the people who take the time to see that and get to know me.”
Her Beginnings and the Road to Miss Universe
Fátima explains that she had no prior experience in beauty pageants, as she concentrated on her studies in Fashion and Apparel Design. With faith always guiding her, she says, “I believe God helps shape our journey. I had been receiving invitations since 2019, and now in 2025, the stars have finally aligned, allowing me to participate.”
© IG: @fatimaboschfdz / @alexisortAs a vibrant young woman, she loves horseback riding, tennis, music, reading, and painting. Although she presents a calm demeanor, she possesses a strong personality, having faced challenges from a young age, including dyslexia, ADHD, and hyperactivity. Furthermore, her experiences with bullying motivate her to help others, particularly children.
A native of Santiago de Teapa, Tabasco, she admits, “I used to have a poor impression of beauty pageants. However, when I had the chance to speak with my director, George Figueroa, of Miss Universe Mexico, I clicked with him immediately. I realized they are making history by changing the narrative. They are looking for real women with voices—women who have things to say and spaces to claim. We are in the 21st century! That completely won me over. At that moment, I knew this was a place where I could use my voice for good. I had to be here.”
© IG: @fatimaboschfdzDedicated to excellence, she trained rigorously and immersed herself in the Miss Universe world to make a difference. However, her victory was not without controversy.
Fátima won the crown while Yoana Gutiérrez was named first runner-up. During the coronation ceremony, only four out of the 31 contestants hugged the winner, while the other 27 openly supported Yoana, demonstrating their disagreement.
© @fatimaboschfdz / @elena.roldangFátima responded, “I believe that true sisterhood isn’t just something that's spoken about; it’s something that’s practiced.” When asked later if she had spoken with her former competitors, she said, “No, honestly, I’m very focused on my new role as Miss Universe Mexico. However, I do keep in touch with the girls I connected with.”
Without any resentment, she says, “I always wish my fellow contestants the best. There’s only one crown, and the organization selects the person they believe is most prepared to represent Mexico. All of these young women are valuable and have worked hard. It's important to be happy for someone else's success as well. I’m grateful to those four girls who came over to hug me and show their support—I’ll carry that memory with me.”
© @fatimaboschfdz / @elena.roldangRising Above Rumors
Following her victory, her personal story ignited discussions online, leading to investigations into her family and resulting in divided opinions. "All I've felt is love and support. What surprises me the most is how positive the messages on social media have been. People have sent me so much encouragement, and I really feel that love. Like everything in life, it's about balance," she says calmly.
In response to comments linking her to her family's political background, she stated, “I am very proud of my family. They are honest, hardworking individuals who strive to give their best to others. I admire and deeply respect my father; he is an honorable man. Naturally, people will talk, as some feel entitled to share their opinions from behind a screen. I do not take to heart the words of those who hide behind screens to make their comments relevant. Neither I nor my family is defined by what others create. This crown is truly remarkable, and nothing will tarnish it.”
© IG: @missuniverse.mexico / @jorgeferraezThe Dream of Traveling to Thailand
Crowned in mid-September, Fátima now has just a month and a half to prepare for the Miss Universe competition in Thailand, hoping to succeed Victoria Kjær Theilvig. For Fátima, Thailand holds special significance. “I’ve always wanted to go to Thailand—always! There’s a program where you can teach English to children in vulnerable communities and also care for elephants. I used to tell my friends about it, and they would laugh, saying it was so far away. Well, now everyone has to go!”
She feels that her connection to Thailand is destined: “They say when you’re drawn to a city and can’t stop thinking about it, it’s because there’s something for you to experience there, a story waiting to be written. When I learned that Miss Universe would be held in Thailand, I said: we have to go. I’m so happy—I just want to get there and live the experience.”
“I’m super excited to compete in Miss Universe. Obviously, I need to prepare both mentally and physically. There are a thousand things I need to keep learning and improving.”
Expert Advice
Fernanda Beltrán, who passed the Miss Universe Mexico crown to Fátima Bosch, also shared her wisdom with the contestants. “I love her. She’s such a queen and a sweetheart to all of us. She has always been there to give us advice, even when we don’t ask for it. She made history last year and made Mexico proud. I admire her so much. I’m always in touch with her—whenever I need advice, I message her,” Fátima says warmly.
© IG: @missuniverse.mexico / @jorgeferraezIn her encounter with Osmel Sousa, known as “The Beauty Czar” and the mastermind behind many Miss Universe winners, she reflected, “We had the opportunity to meet him—though not closely, as the organization only introduced us. He gave each of us personal advice, and he obviously knows everything about beauty pageants. I admire him deeply, even though I don’t know him well since he works with the International Organization.”
Despite their limited interaction, Osmel took note of her, publicly declaring in an interview that his favorite contestant was the representative from Tabasco. This sparked controversy since he made this comment before the final. He later clarified that he mentioned a state at random and that the choice of the winner was fair. “I believe he is a key figure in the pageant world, and it’s a blessing for Miss Universe to have him, given all his experience. I’m very grateful to have had the chance to meet him,” says the beauty queen.
© IG: @fatimaboschfdzLatin America’s Strong Lineup
Mexico won’t be standing alone in Thailand. So far, a powerhouse roster of Latina contestants has been confirmed, including representatives from Nicaragua, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Venezuela.
This year, the Miss Universe Organization also introduced an interesting twist with the inclusion of Miss USA Latina, a representative chosen through Telemundo’s debut reality show Miss Universe Latina. Unlike other contestants, Miss Universe Latina won’t carry a country’s name, but she will still compete as part of the official lineup in representation of Latin America as a region.
© IG: @yamilexhdzThe Road to Miss Universe 2025
The 74th edition of Miss Universe is set for November 21, 2025, at the legendary Impact Arena in Pak Kret, Thailand.
