The 2025 Miss Universe pageant, held near Bangkok, Thailand, offered a spectacle of rare intensity, blending glamour, cultural diplomacy, and powerful social commentary. Before millions of viewers, the 125 contestants delivered dazzling performances, spectacular costumes, and inspiring speeches, in an atmosphere where the competition intersected with pressing current events.
The 2025 rankings
Fatima Bosch, Miss Mexico, won the crown, ahead of Praveenar Singh, Miss Thailand, who became first runner-up. The other runner-up spots went to Miss Venezuela (second runner-up), Miss Philippines (third runner-up), and Miss Ivory Coast (fourth runner-up), completing a very international top five.
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On the French side, Ève Gilles, Miss France 2024, reached the top 30 after a remarkable performance, while Ophély Mézino, Miss Guadeloupe, climbed to the top 12 thanks to very strong appearances in both costume and evening gown. Célya Abatucci (Miss Martinique) and Nourya Aboutoihi (Miss Mayotte) also participated, marking the first edition with four French representatives in the final evening.
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A crown amid controversy
Fatima Bosch's crowning is all the more talked about as it comes after a highly publicized altercation with Nawat Itsaragrisil, director of Miss Universe Thailand, who had publicly insulted her and accused her of "not promoting the host country enough on her social media." Faced with these attacks, Fatima Bosch stood up and left the room with other contestants, denouncing "disrespectful behavior" and reminding everyone that the participants are committed women who should not be silenced.
This firm reaction sparked a wave of support, reaching even the President of Mexico, who praised Fátima as an example of how women can and should speak out publicly. The affair transformed the contestant into a symbol of female empowerment, giving her victory a militant resonance that extended beyond the beauty pageant.
Profile of Fatima Bosch
Twenty-five-year-old Fátima Bosch hails from the Mexican state of Tabasco and comes from a privileged background with connections in local political circles. She studied fashion and design in Mexico City, then continued her studies in Milan and the United States, specializing in "a sustainable approach and the recycling of materials."
On stage, she distinguished herself with a national costume inspired by the Aztec goddess of love and beauty, Xochiquetzal, designed to represent the strength, light, and roots of her country, which was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience. Her victory sparked scenes of jubilation in Villahermosa, where thousands of people watched the election live before celebrating her coronation in the streets and stadiums.
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A very popular edition
The 2025 Miss Universe pageant, the 74th edition, brought together 125 candidates on the stage of Pak Kret's Impact Arena, creating a particularly electric atmosphere. The top 30 were determined from a preliminary show (national costume, evening gown) to which one candidate was added by online public voting.
In summary, the Miss Universe 2025 final featured a series of fashion shows, musical performances, and social issues questions, including a common question for all five finalists on "how to use the Miss Universe platform to empower young women." The announcement of Fátima Bosch's victory concluded an edition marked by glamour, the geopolitics of the participating countries, and a strong focus on the dignity and voice of women in major international events.
