Fatima Bosch of Mexico has been declared Miss Universe 2025 at a spectacular finale in Bangkok, Thailand.
The pageant concluded on November 21, with Bosch receiving the crown from the outgoing 2024 titleholder, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig of Denmark.
In a tightly contested final round, Miss Mexico secured the top spot ahead of Thailand’s Praveneer Singh, who finished as first runner-up.
The top 12 lineup also featured contestants from Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Guadeloupe, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, China, Philippines, Malta, and Côte d’Ivoire.
Nigeria’s delegate, Onyinyechi Basil, exited the competition early after failing to make it into the first top 30 cut.
Bosch’s journey to victory was marked by significant drama. Days before the grand finale, she drew global attention after walking out of a pre-pageant ceremony in protest.
The incident stemmed from comments made by Miss Universe Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil, who had reprimanded Bosch for skipping certain promotional events.
A viral video from the scene captured Nawat making insulting remarks, saying, “If you follow the order from your national director, you are a dumbhead.”
Bosch then left the venue, and several contestants from different countries followed suit in a show of solidarity.
The situation became even more turbulent when, just three days before the final event, two prominent judges stepped down.
Lebanese-French composer and panel judge Omar Harfouch accused the organisers of “fraud,” “corruption,” and a “secret vote” that compromised the integrity of the contest.
Former French football star Claude Makélélé also pulled out of the judging panel, citing “unforeseen personal reasons”.