The Miss Universe 2025 competition returns Friday, Nov. 21, bringing together more than 100 contestants from around the globe for one of the most celebrated nights in international pageantry. Now in its 74th year, the annual event continues to evolve while honoring its traditions — and this year’s theme, “The Power of Love,” sets the tone for a show centered on compassion, unity, and inspiration.
According to the Miss Universe Organization, the theme is designed to unite the 130 participating countries “in a shared vision of compassion, inclusivity, and strength.” As the organization explains on its official website, “Through this celebration, we honor love as a force that empowers, breaks barriers, and inspires positive change across the world.”
The 2025 Miss Universe pageant will take place at 8 a.m. in Thailand on Nov. 21, meaning that television coverage for US viewers hoping to tune in will begin at 8 p.m. ET on Nov. 20 (the day before in the US).
Global Standouts Lead the Miss Universe 2025 Favorites
Bereniece Dickenson, Turks & Caicos Islands
Dickenson, 22, draws from her multicultural background and personal challenges to focus on architecture and youth mentorship. Via the official Miss Universe competition, through her Butterfly Effect Project, she works to support and guide young girls while representing Turks and Caicos with purpose.
Inna Moll, Chile
María Ignacia “Inna” Moll, 28, started modeling at age 8 and joined Elite Model Look at 15 before moving to Los Angeles to work with top fashion brands. She later built a large digital following and now has more than 1 million Instagram followers. As Miss Universe Chile, she created Universal Spirit, an equine-therapy program for hospitalized children.
Stephany Abasali, Venezuela
Abasali, 25, a model and TV host, grew up in Venezuela, Syria, Australia, Lebanon, and the United States. She is focused on expanding educational access to address generational poverty. She won Miss Venezuela 2024 and received the “Most Beautiful Skin” and “Miss Leader” awards.
Nadia Mejía, Ecuador
Mejía-Webb, 29, is the daughter of “Rico Suave” singer Gerardo Mejía and former Miss West Virginia Kathy Mejía. She has modeled in New York, Milan, Australia, and South America. Her recovery from anorexia led her to focus on mental-health advocacy. She is married to Australian actor Sam Webb from “Neighbours” and “Home and Away.”
Fátima Bosch, Mexico
Bosch, 25, studied fashion and apparel design at Universidad Iberoamericana after spending a year abroad in the U.S. Her work centers on sustainable fashion. The first Miss Mexico from Tabasco, she volunteers with children with cancer, leads an annual toy drive, and supports migrant and environmental programs through Corazón Migrante and Ruta Monarca.
Mahyla Roth, Costa Rica
Roth, 26, is studying business administration and broadcasting while working as an international model. She speaks English, Spanish, and Swiss German. She says Miss Universe gives her a platform to “amplify voices, advocate for causes, and foster hope.”
Soo Yeon Lee, South Korea
Lee, 30, known for roles in “Two Universes” and “Broke Rookie Star.” She also works as a speech and interview coach for college students. After being crowned Miss Korea in 2017, she launched projects focused on children’s welfare and sustainability.
Veena Praveenar Singh, Thailand
Praveenar Singh, 29, is the founder and CEO of an eco-friendly makeup brand. She earned a full scholarship to Thammasat University, where she studied and tutored math and English, and first competed for Miss Thailand during her university years. She has modeled, advocates for social causes, and created the Be an Ally, Not a Bully initiative to combat cyberbullying.
Jaime Vanderberg, Canada
VandenBerg, 28, is a model and actor with a philosophy degree from the University of Lethbridge. Surviving a kidnapping attempt led her to raise funds for victims of gender-based violence and teach safety workshops and boxing classes.
Vanessa Pulgarín, Colombia
Pulgarín, 34, studied social communication at Pontifical Bolivarian University before moving to Australia to learn English and model for brands such as Valentino, Chanel, Dior, and Formula 1, according to her Miss Universe official bio. After losing her father and uncle at age 10, she turned to sports and the arts and later founded a health food market and an activewear brand.
