Miss Universe pageant, one of the most beautiful women in the entire universe!! A woman can stand tall and be Miss Universe only if she is ‘confidently beautiful’. Governed by the Miss Universe organization from the US, nearly a hundred women compete annually across the globe for this most celebrated and coveted crown. Besides beauty, one’s grace, elegance, attitude, and culture are key aspects that decide the winner.
Only a few women have worn the crown and marked their territory. Let us see the list of Miss Universe winners in this new millennium of the 21st century!
Miss Universe Winners List (2001-2023):
Current Miss Universe 2023: Sheynnis Palacios
Nicaragua’s pride, Sheynnis Palacios, emerges as the inaugural Miss Universe 2023, leaving an indelible mark. A 23-year-old mental health advocate, Palacios boldly tackles anxiety issues, embodying resilience and compassion. From supporting her family amidst economic challenges to becoming a global voice for emotional well-being, her journey is as inspiring as it is impactful. Sheynnis, a beacon of beauty with a purpose, introduces the world to ‘Understand Your Mind’—an accessible initiative addressing universal mental health concerns. Sheynnis Palacios: More than a beauty queen, a force for positive change.”
- Name: Sheynnis Alondra Palacios Cornejo
- Date of Birth: 30th May 2000
- Age During Win: 23
- Country: Nicaragua
- Host Venue: Jose adolfo pineda arena in san salvador.
1. Miss Universe 2022: R’Bonney Gabriel:
The most recent 71st Miss Universe was USA’s, R’Bonney Gabriel. She has crowned Miss Universe on Jan 15, 2023.
- Name: R’Bonney Gabriel
- Date of Birth: 20th Mar 1994
- Age During Win: 28
- Country: United States
- Host Venue: Louisiana, United States.
2. Miss Universe 2021: Harnaaz-Sandhu:
On Sunday, Dec 12, the 70th Miss Universe pageant event was conducted at Universe Dome in Eilat, Israel. Miss India Harnaaz Sandhu was officially named Miss Universe 2021.
- Name: Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu
- Date of Birth: 3rd Mar 2000
- Age During Win: 21
- Country: India
- Host Venue: Eilat, Israel.
3. Zozibini Tunzi, 2019:
Physical looks and features often define beauty. It is challenging to break the stereotypes and prove their mettle in the beauty industry if one does not look ‘fair.’ The current Miss Universe, Zozibini Tunzi from South Africa, is one such confident woman who broke the industry’s beauty standards and stood tall as an inspiration among many. Though her skin tone and hair looks do not go by ‘mainstream’ beauty styles, Zozibini is inspiring in many ways. She stresses the importance of women’s empowerment and believes in women enhancing their skills through self-confidence and leadership qualities. Hats off to her!
- Name: Zozibini Tunzi
- Date of Birth: 18th September 1993
- Age During Win: 26
- Country: Eastern Cape, South Africa.
- Host Venue: Atlanta, Georgia.
4. Catriona Gray, 2018:
Catriona Gray, the beauty from Bicol, Philippines, emerged as a winner of the Miss Universe crown in 2018. This beauty with black wavy hair and bold eyes is also popular for her activism in HIV AIDS education. Ms Gray is presently looking into providing free education for children in Tonda Manila, and she is known for her good gestures and heartwarming smile.
- Name: Catriona Gray
- Date of Birth: 6th January 1994
- Age During Win: 24
- Country: Philippines
- Host Venue: Bangkok, Thailand.
5. Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, 2017:
A business management professional, Demi-Leigh is a native of the Western Cape of South Africa. This blonde-haired beauty with small eyes is an advocate for women’s self-defence to protect and nurture confidence within them. She is the second Miss Universe winner from South Africa, after a long gap of almost 40 years with her enchanting looks!
- Name: Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters
- Date of Birth: 28th June 1995
- Age During Win: 22
- Country: South Africa
- Host Venue: Las Vegas, United States.
6. Iris Mittenaere, 2016:
As a French model and television host, Iris has emerged as Miss Universe 2016 winner and is the second in the country to ever win the title after 1953. Her sharp features with wavy brown hair can take anyone down, besides her mesmerizing looks. A medical student by profession, Iris is known for her work on raising awareness of children’s health.
- Name: Iris Mittenaere
- Date of Birth: 25th January 1993
- Age During Win: 23
- Country: France
- Host Venue: Manila, Philippines.
7. Pia Wurtzbach, 2015:
The Filipino beauty, PiaWutzbach, is a self-made woman who is applauded for her positive and confident persona. Pia entered modelling at quite a young age to support her family and has paved her path to success with her down-to-earth attitude and elegant looks. Her gestures and answers during the competition swept everybody off their feet, and one can affirm that it is right to call her confidently beautiful with a heart!’
- Name: Pia Wurtzbach
- Date of Birth: 24th September 1989
- Age During Win: 26
- Country: Philippines
- Host Venue: Las Vegas, US.
8. Paulina Vega, 2014:
The Columbian beauty, Paulina Vega is a popular Columbian model, actress, and host. After a long gap of 56 years, Vega won the title for her country and made the nation proud with her charm and beauty. Not just that, she has also set another record as the first Miss Atlantico to win the title of Miss Universe ever! Way to go, girl!
- Name: Paulina Vega
- Date of Birth: 15th January 1993
- Age During Win: 21
- Country: Columbia
- Host Venue: Dorai, United States.
9. Gabriela Isler, 2013:
María Gabriela de Jesús Isler Morales, called Gabriela Isler, is Venezuelan TV host and model. Known for her elegant and charming smile, María is the seventh in the country to win the pageant. Her beauty standards and dress are top-notch. Besides her unmistakable charm, Gabriela is devoted to supporting the cause of female empowerment.
- Name: Gabriela Isler
- Date of Birth: 21st March 1988
- Age During Win: 25
- Country: Venezuela
- Host Venue: Moscow, Russia.
10. Olivia Culpo, 2012:
Rhode Island isn’t just popular for its exotic beaches, but also for its hot beauties. One such personality is Olivia Culpo, who won the title in 2012. The present-day fashion influencer is known for her dark hair and beautiful smile with an infectious persona. After the Miss Universe competition, she went on to become a celebrated model and also an actress!
- Name: Olivia Culpo
- Date of Birth: 8th May 1992
- Age During Win: 20 years
- Country: USA
- Host Venue: Las Vegas, US.
See More: Super-Hot American Women
11. Leila Lopes, 2011:
Leila is one of the very few women who have come to the stage of winning beauty pageants from lesser-known communities, such as Angola. Brought up in the UK, Leila is an ardent advocate of HIV AIDS and against discrimination against those suffering from the same. She has won the crown succeeding racist remarks and proved her mettle by winning the most celebrated beauty contest. Leila stood tall as a model of inspiration for many other women from such communities. We love her undaunting spirit!
- Name: Leila Lopes
- Date of Birth: 26th February 1986
- Age During Win: 25
- Country: Angola
- Host Venue: Vietnam
12. Ximena Navarrete, 2010:
The second-ever woman from Mexico to ever win the title is Ximena Navarrete in 2010. Actress and TV host by profession, Ximena was into modelling before the beauty contest. Her charming smile and jaw-dropping beauty were the talks of the town back then! Presently, she is a popular actress and earned her name in the industry with her fascinating performances.
- Name: Ximena Navarrete
- Date of Birth: 22nd February 1988
- Age During Win: 22
- Country: Mexico
- Host Venue: Las Vegas, US.
13. Stefania Fernandez, 2009:
The Venezuelan sweet beauty, Stefanía is famous for her distinct blend of sharp facial features and bold eyes. Russian, Spanish, and Ukrainian in origin, Stefanía has mixed ethnic looks, which is a plus to her unusual yet stunning beauty. She has also entered Guinness World Records for being the first winner of this title, crowned by a compatriot. Currently, she is a famous model and TV host.
- Name: Stefanía Fernández
- Date of Birth: 4th September 1990
- Age During Win: 19
- Country: Venezuela
- Host Venue: Bahamas
14. Dayana Mendoza, 2008:
Venezuela, a country that has won several beauty pageants, had yet registered another win in 2008 when Dayana Sabrina Mendoza Moncadawas crowned. Known for her acting and modelling skills, Dayana was also the second woman from the state of Amazonas to win the title after 1991. Besides being a vivacious beauty, she is remembered for her work towards the cause of HIV AIDS and is indeed a truly inspirational woman!
- Name: Dayana Mendoza
- Date of Birth: 1st June 1986
- Age During Win: 22
- Country: Venezuela
- Host Venue: Vietnam
15. Riyo Mori, 2007:
The beauty of Japanese women took its time to enter the mainstream. When it did, it came with a bang. The much-awaited win by Riyo Mori in 2007 brought the country into the limelight. Riyo, also the 11th-ever Asian to win this title, is a dancer and model actress by profession. Albeit the tiny eyes and face, Riyo has graceful looks and an elegant attitude. She is one of the established and most sought-after actresses.
- Name: Riyo Mori
- Date of Birth: 24th December 1986
- Age During Win: 21
- Country: Japan
- Host Venue: Mexico
16. Zuleyka Rivera, 2006:
ZuleykaJerrís Rivera Mendoza, affectionately called Zuleyka, is the youngest Miss Universe pageant winner to date. Presently a TV host, model, dancer, and actress, she has mixed hereditary traits from African and indigenous communities. The popular music video, ‘Despacito, ’ tells plenty about her acting and dancing skills!!
- Name: Zuleyka Rivera
- Date of Birth: 3rd October 1987
- Age During Win: 19
- Country: Puerto Rico
- Host Venue: Los Angeles, US.
17. Natalie Glebova, 2005:
Natalie, the second woman from Canada to win the title, is a Russian-Canadian host and model. Born in Russia, Natalie has fantastic dance moves filled with grace and elegance. Her unusual green eyes are quite attractive and intense. Besides her beauty, Natalie is famous for her role in Great Apes and Gibbons Conservation and plays a vital role in wildlife preservation.
- Name: Natalie Glebova
- Date of Birth: 11th November 1981
- Age During Win: 24
- Country: Canada
- Host Venue: Bangkok, Thailand.
18. Jennifer Hawkins, 2004:
Born in Australia, Jennifer Hawkins won the crown in 2004. With her blonde hair and infectious smile, Jennifer Hawkins has left an impression in several rounds during the competition and aced the title with her grace and smouldering looks. She has also appeared in Australia’s top model competition. She is a model, actor, and fashion entrepreneur who has her swimwear brand.
- Name: Jennifer Hawkins
- Date of Birth: 22nd December 1983
- Age During Win: 21
- Country: New South Wales, Australia.
- Host Venue: Ecuador
19. Amelia Vega, 2003:
Amelia Vega stood as the second-youngest woman who won the title after 1994. Hailing from the Dominican Republic, this beauty with brown eyes and brown-coloured hair has captivated everyone with her intense looks. She is known for her work in creating awareness of HIV AIDS. Not just these! Amelia also set another record in the Miss Universe pageant. She is the tallest woman ever who won this title!
- Name: Amelia Vega
- Date of Birth: 7th November 1984
- Age During Win: 18
- Country: Dominican Republic
- Host Venue: Panam
20. Justine Pasek, 2002:
The Polish and Panamanian model from the Ukrainian USSR, Justine, was the first runner-up of the Miss Universe competition in 2002. However, due to the subsequent dethronement of the winner after 120 days of competition, Justine has become Miss Universe in the same year. She is now a famous model and actress. She is also the first Panamanian to win the title ever.
- Name: Justine Pasek
- Date of Birth: 27th August 1979
- Age During Win: 23
- Country: Panama City, Panama.
- Host Venue: Puerto Rico
21. Denise Quinones, 2001:
The Puerto Rican actress is the fourth woman from the country to win the title. Not just this, Denise is famously known to be among the most photogenic women ever in this contest and is famous for her bold and intense looks. Her grace and attitude with elegance have completely enthralled the judges. She has acted in movies and television series.
- Name: Denise Quinones
- Date of Birth: 9th September 1980
- Age During Win: 21
- Country: Puerto Rico
- Host Venue: Puerto Rico
While Miss World emphasizes beauty with brains, Miss Universe has always admired and promoted women who are self-confident and beautiful. The beauties in the Miss Universe list who won the title had the privilege to be the most beautiful women in the entire universe. They were awarded massive beauty and fashion packages besides other rewards and perks throughout their reign. Who is your favourite Miss Universe of this century? Do let us know your thoughts!