Victoria Kjær Theilvig is crowned Miss Universe, becomes first contestant from Denmark to win competition

Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark has been crowned Miss Universe.

Kjaer, an animal protection advocate who works in the diamond selling business, beat out Miss Nigeria at the end of 73rd edition of the competition in Mexico City. Miss Mexico placed third.

It is the first time a Danish contestant has won Miss Universe.

“We can’t wait to see the incredible impact she’ll make as our new Miss Universe,” the competition wrote on social media, along with video of the winning moment. “Congratulations Victoria Kjaer Miss Universe 2024.”

The pageant was held in the Mexico City Arena, an indoor venue with a capacity for 20,000 people. Supporters inside shouted and waved flags from countries around the world.

The ceremony began with 131 mariachi musicians and singer Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas playing “Mexicana,” a song created by Emilio Estefan for the contest.

The gala was hosted by Mario López; Olivia Culpo, Miss Universe 2012; presenter Zuri Hall; and Catriona Gray, Miss Universe 2018.

Organizers said that there were more than 120 contestants.

This year some countries were represented for the first time, such as Belarus, Eritrea, Guinea, Macau, Maldives, Moldova and Uzbekistan.

This is the third time that Mexico has hosted Miss Universe.

Miss Nicaragua Sheynnis Palacios won the previous Miss Universe competition in El Salvador, the first to wear the crown from her country.

R’Bonney Gabriel from the United States was crowned the 71st Miss Universe.