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Miss Universe Pageant

Victoria Kjaer Theilvig wins Miss Universe 2024, the first Miss Denmark to take crown

Portrait of Kim Willis Kim Willis
USA TODAY
Nov. 17, 2024Updated Nov. 18, 2024, 11:51 a.m. ET

Miss Denmark Victoria Kjaer Theilvig is the new Miss Universe 2024, the first Danish contestant to take the crown.

“Who are you?” a handler asked her moments after her crowning on Saturday night, in video shared to the competition’s official Instagram account. “Miss Universe!” she shrieked excitedly, jumping up and down.

The 21-year-old describes herself as an animal protection advocate, entrepreneur and former pro dancer.

A thrilled Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, Miss Denmark, reacts to being newly crowned Miss Universe 2024 amid other contestants at the 73rd edition of the Miss Universe pageant in Mexico City on Nov. 16, 2024.

The morning after her win, she posted pictures of herself in a hotel bathrobe, wearing her crown and displaying her sash. “First sunrise as Miss Universe,” Kjaer wrote, “Waking up with gratitude, dreams, and a crown − ready to embrace this incredible journey.”

The newly crowned Miss Universe 2024, Denmark's Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, right, reacts next to Miss Nigeria Chidimma Adetshina after winning the 73rd edition of the Miss Universe pageant in Mexico City on Nov. 16, 2024.

She finished ahead of Miss Nigeria Chidimma Adetshina, named first runner-up. Miss Mexico Maria Fernanda Beltran Figueroa, Miss Thailand Opal Suchata Chuangsri and Miss Venezuela Ileana Marquez Pedroza rounded out the top five.

Miss USA Alma Cooper, who won her crown after a controversial year in which a previous titleholder resigned, did not place in the competition.

The 73rd Miss Universe competition was held in Mexico City, the country’s first time welcoming the event in 17 years. Mario López and Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo hosted, with live commentary by Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and Zuri Hall.

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(This story has been updated with a gallery of photos.)

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