Victoria Kjær Theilvig, a blonde beauty from Denmark, outshone 124 delegates from around the world to claim the Miss Universe 2024 title during the coronation finals at Arena CDMX in Mexico City on Sunday. She was crowned by outgoing Miss Universe 2023, Sheynnis Palacios.
Nigeria’s Chidimma Adetshina was named first runner-up, while Mexico’s Maria Fernanda Beltran took second runner-up. Thailand’s Opal Suchata Chuangsri and Venezuela’s Ileana Pedroza were named third and fourth runners-up, respectively.
The 21-year-old Theilvig, a dancer and singer from Søborg, is currently pursuing a degree in Marketing and Economics. She made history as the first Danish woman to win Miss Universe, following Aino Korva’s top-5 finish in 1963 and Žaklina Šojić’s top-15 placement in 2007.
During the Top 5 final round of interviews, Theilvig was asked, “Miss Universe has inspired generations of women. What do you want to say to those watching you now?”
She replied, “My message to all the world watching is: no matter where you come from, no matter your past, you can always choose to turn it into your strength. It will never define who you are. You just have to keep fighting. I stand here today because I want to change, make history. And that’s what I’m doing tonight. So never give up, always believe in yourself and your dreams. And that is exactly what you should do.”
The Philippines’ Chelsea Manalo secured a Top 30 spot but did not advance to the Top 12, which included Bolivia’s Juliana Barrientos, Argentina’s Magali Benejam, Puerto Rico’s Jennifer Colon, Russia’s Valentine Alekseeva, Chile’s Emilia Dides, Canada’s Ashley Callingbull, and Peru’s Tatiana Calmell.
The finale was hosted by American TV personality Mario Lopez and Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo, with Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and Zuri Hall serving as backstage correspondents.
