Miss Denmark Victoria Kjær Theilvig crowned Miss Universe 2024 in historic win

Victoria Kjær Theilvig made history as the first Miss Denmark to win the Miss Universe title.

Miss Denmark Victoria Kjær Theilvig has been announced as the new Miss Universe. Theilvig, aged 21, earned the title during the 73rd Miss Universe competition held Saturday night in Mexico City.

She received the crown from Miss Universe 2023, Sheynnis Palacios, who was the first Nicaraguan woman to win the title.

The first runner-up position was secured by Miss Nigeria Chidimma Adetshina, while Miss Mexico María Fernanda Beltrán Figueroa placed third.

Theilvig made history as the first Miss Denmark to win the Miss Universe title. It has been 61 years since a Danish contestant last reached the top five in the competition.

During the final round, the top five contestants were asked the same question: "Miss Universe has inspired generations of women. What is your message to the women watching you right now?"

"No matter where you come from, no matter your past, you can always choose to turn it into your strengths," Theilvig said in her response. "It will never define who you are. You just gotta keep fighting."

"I stand here today because I want to change, I want to make history, and that's what I'm doing tonight," she added. "So, never give up, always believe in yourself and your dreams, and that is exactly what you're going to do."

Theilvig is a professional dancer and a beauty entrepreneur who actively supports mental-health awareness and animal rights. She also has ambitions to pursue a career as a lawyer.

Several contestants broke records at this year’s Miss Universe.

Adetshina, the first runner-up, became the first Miss Nigeria to reach the top five at Miss Universe.

Miss Egypt Logina Salah made history as the first contestant with vitiligo to participate in the competition, while Miss Malta Beatrice Njoya, at 40 years old, became the oldest competitor in Miss Universe’s history.