Candidates for Miss Universe 2024 step into the spotlight with determination to claim the crown; 15 contenders emerge as a powerful blend of beauty, intelligence, and purpose
In the exciting run-up to Miss Universe 2024, several candidates have risen above fierce competition to emerge as leading hopefuls for the crown. These remarkable individuals stand out not only for their beauty but for their commitment, purpose, and empowering stories. As they prepare for one of the most prestigious stages in the world, these contenders embody the spirit of the Miss Universe legacy, a reminder that beauty is as much about strength and character as it is about grace.
As the coronation night approaches, the question remains: which of these frontrunners will capture the crown? In no particular order, MEGA presents its lineup of powerful contenders vying for the Miss Universe 2024 title.
Chidimma Adetshina, Nigeria
What’s more dangerous than a queen chasing glory? Nigeria, a country that is yet to clinch the coveted title since the pageant’s inception, pins hopes on Chidimma Adetshina as she prepares for the Miss Universe competition. Despite the country’s history, including financial constraints faced by past Nigerian contestants, there is optimism that Chidimma Adetshina could break the country’s longstanding losing streak. While her journey to the crown wasn’t easy, Adetshina’s determination and resilience shone through. A model, advocate for women’s rights and education, and effective communicator, Adetshina is a potential breakthrough candidate for Nigeria in the competition.
Sakhile Dube, Zimbabwe
The Miss Universe title remains elusive, but Zimbabwe’s Sakhile Dube is eyeing the crown with grit, dedication, and perseverance. A fashion model and veteran in the pageant circuit, Dube is well-noted for her natural stage presence, articulation, and poise. Her philanthropy efforts include helming Zibusiso Foundation, an NGO that focuses on the empowerment of children in Zimbabwe. Considered to be the country’s closest shot at the crown, Dube is a queen believed to make a significant impact both on and off the stage, a beacon of inspiration for women in Zimbabwe and beyond.
Daniela Toloza, Colombia
Colombia’s representative is viewed as one of the top bets to make a strong showing in the finals. Elegant and precise in every movement, Toloza aims to uphold Colombia’s proud legacy at Miss Universe, aspiring to join the ranks of past queens who have made a lasting impact in the competition and reinforced the country’s strong presence on the global stage.
Having battled with weight struggles, Toloza underwent bariatric surgery—a life-changing decision that not only restored her health but also led to her pursuing a career in modeling and ultimately competing in Miss Universe Colombia. Beyond her beauty, Toloza is an entrepreneur with her own clothing brand and travel agency, and a passionate advocate for inclusion and body positivity. She has worked with initiatives like the Valle del Cauca Fashion Chamber’s Inclusion Runway, which promotes accessibility for individuals with disabilities in fashion.
Chelsea Manalo, Philippines
For Chelsea Manalo, living up to the meaning of her last name comes with the weight of representing both her personal dreams and the pride of her heritage. It symbolizes her potential to bring home victory and continue the strong legacy of Filipino success at the Miss Universe pageant.
A model and advocate for indigenous youth education and body positivity, Manalo earned her title by demonstrating authenticity, graceful elegance, and an arresting stage presence. The Bulakenya beauty is celebrated not only for defying traditional beauty standards, but also for her grounded personality and commitment to empowering others. As a fresh and powerful voice, Manalo brings with her to the Mexico stage both the strong Filipino legacy of pageantry and a personal story marked by perseverance and purpose.
Ileana Márquez, Venezuela
Ileana Márquez is the first mother to be crowned Miss Universe Venezuela; she is viewed as a powerful competitor with all the hallmarks of a classic Venezuelan beauty queen: charisma, poise, and a striking stage presence. She brings a unique depth to the competition as both a beauty queen and a mother, reflecting the shift in modern pageantry where traditional beauty standards are expanding to celebrate diverse experiences and life paths. Also notable for her dedication to community initiatives and her commitment to education, Márquez embodies the strong sense of purpose that Venezuela often brings to Miss Universe.
Maria Fernanda Beltran, Mexico
María Fernanda Beltrán is poised and ready for greatness. This Miss Universe Mexico candidate captured attention with her powerful stance on cyberbullying, openly sharing personal experiences to resonate with young people facing similar challenges. With her experience in pageantry, Beltran hopes to bring Mexico a win on home soil this year. As the queen who symbolizes Mexico’s strength and passion, she also holds a vision of transformative leadership that she hopes to bring to the global stage.
Jennifer Colón, Puerto Rico
Hailing from the town of Orocovis, the 36-year-old mother of three not only challenges traditional beauty pageant norms but also paves the way for greater inclusivity in pageantry—broadening representation for women who can balance family life and ambitious career pursuits with grace. With a determination to bring home the country’s sixth crown, Colón offers a refreshing perspective on beauty and success. Her presence in the Miss Universe competition is more than just about physical beauty. It’s about how women, regardless of their life stage, can reach for their dreams.
Emilia Dides, Chile
Singer Emilia Dides is ready to amplify her message even louder on the Miss Universe stage. Known for her blend of beauty, talent, and natural charisma, Dides quickly emerged as one of the frontrunners in the competition. However, it is the voice she uses to advocate for important social causes, particularly mental health awareness and women empowerment, that aligns perfectly with the ethos of the Miss Universe organization—making her a standout contestant.
Dides’s ability to balance her singing career, social activism, and now the demands of the Miss Universe, positions her as a potential game-changer for Chile.
Matilda Wirtavuori, Finland
Matilda Wirtavuori’s academic achievement and business acumen position her as a multifaceted contender intent on making a positive and significant impact in the global spotlight. Having personally experienced the challenges of body image, Wirtavuori is passionate about encouraging and supporting other individuals struggling with similar issues as well. Her openness about the difficulties of overcoming societal pressures related to body image is a testament to her power and vulnerability.
As coronation night approaches, Matilda’s strong sense of purpose, coupled with her advocacy, suggests she is aiming to leave a lasting impact on the Mexico stage.
Celinee Santos, Dominican Republic
Celinee Santos is a professional model with a rich pageant history, including competing at Miss International 2022 where she earned a top five finish. Her journey to Miss Universe follows her second attempt at the Miss Dominican Republic crown, a title she won in 2024, after previously competing in 2023. For Santos, rejection was merely a prelude to destiny.
A formidable contestant for the Miss Universe crown, Santos is known for her strong commitment to bettering the lives of Dominican women. Her advocacy on women empowerment reflects her deep belief in the power of determination and resilience, a trait she proudly associates with the Dominican spirit.
Opal Suchata Chuangsri, Thailand
Heavy favorite Opal Suchata Chuangsri is an exceptionally well-rounded candidate in this year’s competition: beauty, intellectual capability, cultural pride, and social consciousness. What profoundly shaped her advocacy work was being a breast cancer survivor; her project, Opal For Her, provides guidance and support to those battling the disease.
Chuangsri’s personal experience and openness makes her a strong and empathetic representative for women. She carries a torch not just for herself but also for those who see themselves in her story.
Tatiana Calmell, Peru
Armed with an impressive track record, a strong social stance, and a diverse skill set, Tatiana Calmell is out for blood. Peru’s representative views her role as an opportunity to give her countrymen the victory they have longed for.
Calmell actively supports causes that help elevate women’s voices and tackle issues such as body image and self-esteem. Her focus and determination, shaped by the disappointment of 2020, have driven her to perfect her performance and represent her nation with excellence.
Faith Landman, the Netherlands
As a seasoned pageantry contestant, Faith Landman brings a combination of beauty, wit, charm, and a commitment to social causes—particularly sustainability and environmental conservation—to the Mexico stage. Her confidence and ability to excel in various aspects of pageantry, such as her performance in interviews and her catwalk skills, position her as one of the frontrunners for the title.
Mia le Roux, South Africa
Hailing from a country of beauty queen-makers, Mia le Roux is forging her own path as the first-ever deaf candidate at Miss Universe. Her participation in the pageant brings visibility to the challenges faced by those with hearing impairments. Her personal story of resilience—overcoming the obstacles of being born deaf and later undergoing cochlear implant surgery—has made her a strong and empathetic representative for women. She uses her platform to champion the transformative impact of technology and the importance of accessibility.
This queen’s journey is a celebration of diversity, and she is determined to showcase that beauty comes in all forms—regardless of physical challenges.
Victoria Kjær Theilvig, Denmark
A promising contender for Miss Universe 2024, Victoria Kjær Theilvig’s well-rounded capabilities and past performances at national pageants have set her up as a competitive figure on the Miss Universe stage.
There is a growing sense of hope that Theilvig could finally put Denmark on the Miss Universe map. With her impressive array of talents, she stands out among the competition, but her success will ultimately depend on how effectively she can navigate the highly competitive international pageant environment. Denmark’s best placement remains first runner-up in 1963, but with Theilvig’s well-rounded profile that combines beauty, intelligence, and creative skills, she has the potential to change that narrative.
Photos and Featured Image: CHIDIMMA ADETSHINA, SAKHILE DUBE, DANIELA TOLOZA, SEVEN BARRETTO, MISS UNIVERSE VENEZUELA, MARIA FERNANDA BELTRAN, JENNIFER COLÓN, EMILIA DIDES, THE PAGEANT BUZZ, PAGEANTHOLOGY, MISS UNIVERSE THAILAND, TATIANA CALMELL, MISSGRANDFAN (via Instagram)
