Miss Universe Winners: Every titleholder from the present day to 1952

Crowned on November 16, 2024, in Mexico City, she became the first Danish woman to win Miss Universe. Victoria is an animal rights activist and an entrepreneur in the jewelry industry.

Crowned on November 18, 2023, in El Salvador, Sheynnis made history as the first Nicaraguan to win the crown. A 23-year-old university student, she had already built an impressive pageant career in her home country.

Crowned on January 14, 2023, in New Orleans, Louisiana, R’Bonney is a fashion designer and philanthropist, and the first Filipino-American to win Miss Universe.

Crowned on December 13, 2021, in Eilat, Israel, Harnaaz became India’s third Miss Universe, ending a 21-year gap since the country’s last victory. She is an activist for menstrual health awareness and a public administration student.

Crowned in 2020, Andrea represented Mexico and gained worldwide recognition. A model and software engineer, she combines technology, beauty, and social purpose in her work.

Crowned in 2019, Zozibini was celebrated for promoting natural beauty and diversity. She became a global voice for self-confidence and empowerment among young women of color.

Winner of Miss Universe 2018, Catriona captured hearts with her signature “lava walk” and elegant style. Her reign focused on education and community work in the Philippines.

Crowned in 2017, Demi-Leigh impressed with her intelligence and commitment to personal safety education for women. She is passionate about wildlife conservation and empowerment.

Crowned in 2016, Iris represented France and brought the crown back to Europe. A trained dentist, she later pursued a career in modeling and media, becoming a beloved public figure.

Crowned in 2015, Pia’s victory became one of the most iconic moments in Miss Universe history. Her win brought pride and renewed hope to the Philippines after decades without a title.

Crowned in 2014, Paulina became the first Colombian to win the Miss Universe title in recent decades. During her reign promoted education and AIDS campaigns. Before entering the spotlight, she worked as a marketing executive. Her reign brought renewed pride to her country and marked the start of a successful career in television and modeling.

Winner of Miss Universe 2013, Gabriela continued Venezuela’s remarkable legacy in the pageant. After her reign, she transitioned into the media and entertainment industry, becoming a familiar face on television and a voice for women’s empowerment.

Crowned in 2012, Olivia represented the United States of America. Following her win, she built a thriving career in media, fashion, and entertainment, and today is recognized as an international style icon and entrepreneur.

Winner of Miss Universe 2011, Leila brought pride to Angola with her historic victory. A law graduate, she used her platform to advocate for young women’s education and empowerment across Africa, becoming an influential voice for her generation.

Winner of Miss Universe 2009, Stefanía made history as the only contestant ever crowned by a fellow Miss Universe from the same country, following Dayana Mendoza’s reign. She later pursued a career as a fashion entrepreneur and public figure known for her elegance and social involvement.

Crowned in 2008, Dayana was another Venezuelan to capture the Miss Universe crown. She became an ambassador for children’s rights and collaborated with UNICEF, using her voice to support humanitarian causes worldwide.

Winner of Miss Universe 2007, Riyo became the second Japanese woman to win the crown. A trained traditional dancer, she has devoted her post-pageant life to promoting Japanese culture and the arts internationally.

Crowned in 2006, Zuleyka represented Puerto Rico and went on to establish a successful career as an actress, TV presenter, and radio host. She remains one of the island’s most beloved public figures.

Winner of Miss Universe 2005, Natalie represented Canada. After her reign, she became a motivational speaker, author, and life coach, dedicating her career to wellness and personal development.

Winner in 2004, Jennifer Hawkins became the second Australian woman to bring home the Miss Universe crown. She was discovered by chance while working as a cheerleader for the Newcastle Knights, an Australian rugby team.

Crowned in 2003, Amelia Vega made history as the first Dominican woman to win Miss Universe, securing the title in Panama. At just 18 years old, she became one of the youngest winners in modern pageant history.

Originally crowned first runner-up, Justine Pasek assumed the Miss Universe title after the dethronement of the winner. She became the first woman in pageant history to officially inherit the crown as an appointed titleholder.

Denise Quiñones won Miss Universe 2001 in front of the cheering audience of her home country in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. After her reign, she pursued a successful acting career and later returned as the director of Miss Universe Puerto Rico.

Lara Dutta won the Miss Universe title in Cyprus, becoming the second Indian woman to achieve the crown. She earned the highest recorded score in the final question round: an impressive 9.99 out of 10.

Mpule Kwelagobe made history as the first woman from Botswana to win Miss Universe. Following her reign, she became a prominent advocate for reproductive health and was invited to speak at the United Nations.

Wendy Fitzwilliam became the second woman from Trinidad and Tobago to win the Miss Universe crown. A lawyer by profession, she later published her own book and played a key role in public health initiatives in her country.

Brook Lee won the Miss Universe title in Miami Beach and remains the oldest contestant to be crowned, winning at 26 years old during an era when most winners were significantly younger.

She won the crown in Las Vegas and quickly became an international celebrity. Alicia Machado has had a successful career in the entertainment industry. 

Chelsi Smith won the title in Windhoek, Namibia, becoming one of the most memorable queens of the decade. She was the first biracial woman to win Miss Universe for the United States, marking a historic milestone for representation and diversity.

Sushmita Sen was crowned Miss Universe 1994 in Manila, becoming the first Indian woman to win the title. Her victory marked a historic step for India on the global pageant stage, inspiring a new generation of young women. 

Dayanara Torres won Miss Universe 1993 in Mexico City and became a beloved figure across Latin America. After her reign, she built a successfull career as an actress, singer, and philanthropist. 

Lupita was crowned in 1991 in Las Vegas, becoming the Mexico’s first-ever Miss Universe.  She later founded the national pageant organization that prepares future Mexican representatives. 

Grudt was crowned in Los Angeles, remains Norway’s only Miss Universe. She later worked as a TV host and editor. 

Angela won the pageant in Cancún Mexico, in 1989 and is still remembered for achieving one of the highest scores recorded in the competition. 

Cecilia Bolocco won the title in 1987 in Singapore, becoming the first Chilean to earn the crown. She later became one of Latin America’s most influential TV hosts and public personalities.

Barbara Palacios won Miss Universe 1986 in Panama and contributed to Venezuela’s reputation as a pageant powerhouse. She later built a career as a motivational speaker and entrepreneur. 

Crowned in Miami, Deborah became Puerto Rico’s second Miss Universe. After her reign, she pursued a successful artistic career in acting, dance, and television. 

Yvonne Ryding was crowned Miss Universe 1984 in Miami. Known for her classic Scandinavian beauty and poise, she later became a TV host and launched her own skincare line in Europe.

Lorraine Downes became the first and only New Zealander to win Miss Universe when she earned the crown in St. Louis. After her reign, she transitioned into modeling and philanthropic work.

Karen Baldwin was crowned in Lima, Peru, becoming the first Canadian woman to win Miss Universe. She later built a career in broadcasting and entertainment.

Irene Sáez won Miss Universe 1981 in New York City and became one of Venezuela’s most iconic queens. She later pursued a distinguished political career, serving as mayor and governor.

Crowned in Seoul, South Korea, Shawn Weatherly went on to act in films and TV series, including Baywatch.

Maritza Sayalero became Venezuela’s first Miss Universe after winning in Perth, Australia. Her victory began the country’s legendary pageant legacy.

Margaret Gardiner won in Acapulco, Mexico, becoming South Africa’s first Miss Universe. She later worked in journalism and authored several books.

Janelle Commissiong made history in Santo Domingo as the first woman of color to win Miss Universe. She used her platform to advocate for civil rights and racial equality.

Rina Messinger won in Hong Kong, becoming Israel’s first Miss Universe. She later served as a diplomat and public figure promoting international relations.

Anne Marie Pohtamo won the 1975 crown in San Salvador, becoming Finland’s second Miss Universe since Armi Kuusela in 1952.

Amparo Muñoz was crowned Miss Universe 1974 in Manila, becoming Spain’s only Miss Universe. A celebrated beauty, she later pursued a successful acting career.

Georgina Rizk was crowned Miss Universe 1971 in Miami Beach, becoming the first Middle Eastern woman to win the title. Her beauty and style remain iconic.

Gloria Diaz won Miss Universe 1969 in Miami Beach and became the first Filipina to take home the crown. She later became a renowned actress with a celebrated film career.

Martha Vasconcellos was crowned Miss Universe 1968 in Miami Beach, securing Brazil’s second title. She later dedicated her life to psychology and social work.

Sylvia Hitchcock won Miss Universe 1967 in Miami Beach. After her reign, she worked as a television journalist and became known for her charisma and warm public presence.

Gladys Zender became the first Latin American woman to win Miss Universe, crowned in Long Beach at just 17 years old.

Hillevi Rombin won the title in Long Beach, becoming Sweden’s first Miss Universe.