SEAToday.com, Jakarta-Victoria Kjaer Theilvig of Denmark won Miss Universe 2024 during the awarding night in Mexico City, Mexico, Saturday (11/16) local time. She also made history by becoming the first Dane to win the beauty pageant.

The 21-year-old woman defeated more than 120 other contestants around the world. Victoria Kjaer Theilvig received a very loud applause from the other contestants on stage when she received the crown from Miss Universe 2023 Sheynnis Palacios from Nicaragua.

The Top 5 contestants were asked questions on various topics, including leadership and resilience. When asked how she would live differently if no one judged her, Victoria told the judges that she wouldn't change anything by saying, “I live every day.”

Then when asked what she would say to those watching, Victoria urged the audience to “keep fighting... no matter where you come from.”

“I'm standing here today because I want change, I want to make history, and that's what I'm doing tonight,” she said.

Nigeria's Chidimma Adethsina finished as first runner-up and Mexico's Maria Fernanda Beltran was named second runner-up. Next in line were Suchata Chuangsri from Thailand and Ileana Marquez Pedroza from Venezuela - a 28-year-old mother, who made history in the top five after the pageant removed some restrictions in recent years.

So, who is Victoria Kjaer Theilvig who won the Miss Universe this year? Victoria is a Danish businesswoman and professional dancer. Born in 2004 in Søborg, Gribskov, in the Danish capital, Victoria grew up in a quiet suburb of Copenhagen.

Victoria graduated with a bachelor's degree in business and marketing. As a professional dancer, Victoria has won many awards. Now, she aspires to become a lawyer.

She also advocates for mental health support, supports animal rights, and works as a beauty entrepreneur. Her beauty pageant journey began with Miss Denmark, the country's most prestigious national beauty pageant.

Victoria gained international recognition in 2022 when she was in the Top 20 of Miss Grand International. Nicknamed 'Human Barbie' for her resemblance to the iconic doll, Victoria became a fan favorite from the start, leaving a lasting impression on judges and viewers around the world. In September 2024, Victoria was crowned Miss Universe Denmark 2024.

Writer: Vicky Octarina Arsandi