The Miss Universe 2025 pageant will forever be remembered as one of the most dramatic, controversial and unforgettable editions in the history of global beauty competitions. From Thailand’s grand hosting arrangements to intense public scrutiny, resignations from judges, last-minute voting issues and the crowning of Mexico’s Fátima Bosch, the 74th Miss Universe has left the world talking long after coronation night.
Held on 21 November 2025 at the iconic Impact Challenger Hall in Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, Thailand, the event brought together 120 stunning delegates from around the globe. It was a historic evening filled with glamour, cultural pride, international representation and unexpected controversies. Despite the turbulence surrounding the pageant, Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch shone brightly and emerged triumphant, claiming her country’s fourth Miss Universe crown.
This in depth guide covers everything. The results, the venue, the background, the controversies, the resignations, the voting irregularities, the reactions from the public and judges, the winner’s profile and the complete timeline from start to finish. Whether you are a pageant fan, a researcher or a news enthusiast, this comprehensive blog includes every major detail.
Overview of Miss Universe 2025
Miss Universe 2025 was the seventy fourth edition of the pageant. Thailand served as the official host country for the fourth time. The central venue for the coronation night, the Impact Challenger Hall, previously hosted Miss Universe in 2005 and 2018, making it a familiar location for the global beauty community.
The show was hosted by American stand-up comedian and actor Steve Byrne, with commentary by Dayanara Torres, Miss Universe 1993, and R’Bonney Gabriel, Miss Universe 2022. Their combined presence added humor, insight and prestige to the event.
Host Country and Venue: Why Thailand Was Chosen for Miss Universe 2025
Thailand officially secured hosting rights on 7 February 2025 after competing against other shortlisted nations including Argentina, Spain, Costa Rica, Morocco, Dominican Republic, South Africa and India.
Miss Universe 2025 used multiple Thai cities for events.
Pak Kret in Nonthaburi hosted the main coronation night.
Phuket and Pattaya hosted pre pageant activities, photoshoots and cultural tours.
However, Thailand’s hosting came during a one year mourning period following the death of Sirikit, the former Queen Consort. As a result, the government requested that the Miss Universe Organization modify certain pageant events and formats to respect the national mourning environment.
Rise of Tensions: Controversies Before the Pageant Even Began
Even before coronation night, the pageant was already surrounded by heated disputes. Several key incidents created global attention and raised concerns about fairness, transparency and the conduct of organizers.
Intellectual Property Conflict with Miss Universe Thailand
The Miss Universe Organization issued a statement accusing Miss Universe Thailand of organizing an unauthorized promotional event titled Special Dinner and Talk Show. MUO claimed it violated intellectual property rights. The Thailand team argued that it was part of their official hosting duties. Eventually, the event was canceled.
Casino Promotion Allegations
Thai police began investigating after claims surfaced that MUO allegedly asked contestants to film promotional content for an online gambling website. Online gambling is illegal in Thailand, triggering nationwide concern. MUO denied wrongdoing, while Thai organizers clarified that they were not involved.
The Dramatic Sash Ceremony Incident
This became one of the most viral controversies. During the sash ceremony, Thai businessman Nawat Itsaragrisil accused Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch of skipping promotional activities. He insulted her, implied she was unintelligent and had her escorted out by security. Many contestants walked out in protest. Even the reigning Miss Universe, Victoria Kjær Theilvig, left the venue and condemned the disrespectful behavior.
The MUO later restricted Nawat’s involvement in official activities.
Participants, Replacements and Withdrawals
The 2025 edition saw a mix of debuts, returns and unexpected participant withdrawals.
Debuting Countries
Cape Verde
Mayotte
Palestine
Rwanda
The debut of Palestine received worldwide attention due to the ongoing Gaza conflict, drawing significant international and political interest.
Returning Countries
Iraq and Slovenia returned after last competing in 2017.
Sweden returned after 2021.
Kosovo, Panama and South Africa returned after 2023.
Replacements
China, Trinidad and Tobago, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Poland replaced their original winners due to resignations or contract disagreements.
Withdrawals
Delegates from Iran, Cameroon, Germany, North Macedonia, Niger, Suriname, Iceland, Jamaica and Albania either withdrew or did not arrive for personal reasons, injuries or illness.
Miss Universe 2025 Results: Who Won?
The top results were stunning but immediately triggered global debate.
Miss Universe 2025 Winner
Mexico – Fátima Bosch
First Runner Up
Thailand – Praveenar Singh
Second Runner Up
Venezuela – Stephany Abasali
Third Runner Up
Philippines – Ahtisa Manalo
Fourth Runner Up
Côte d’Ivoire – Olivia Yacé
Continental Queens 2025
Africa and Oceania – Côte d’Ivoire, Olivia Yacé
Asia – China, Zhao Na
Europe and Middle East – Malta, Julia Cluett
Americas – Venezuela, Stephany Abasali
Shortly after coronation, both Miss Philippines and Miss Côte d’Ivoire declined their continental titles for personal reasons.
Special Awards
Best Skin – Indonesia, Sanly Liu
Miss Congeniality – Turkey, Ceren Arslan
Miss Photogenic – Costa Rica, Mahyla Roth
People’s Choice – Paraguay, Yanina Gómez
Format of the Pageant
The structure followed the previous year’s system, featuring:
Preliminary national costume
Swimsuit
Evening gown
Closed door interviews
Top 30 selection
Top 12 swimsuit round
Top 5 question round
Top 3 final Q and A
Eight special awards were chosen exclusively through online public voting.
Judge Panel Chaos and Major Resignations
The judging panel became a central controversy in Miss Universe 2025.
Omar Harfouch’s Explosive Claims
Omar Harfouch, a composer and judge, resigned three days before the finale. He claimed:
A secret committee finalized the Top 30
The process lacked transparency
Miss Mexico was predetermined to win
He accused MUO co owner Raúl Rocha of having business connections with Bosch’s father
He later appeared on HBO, claiming that Miss Mexico would win due to alleged deals involving Pemex, a major Mexican petroleum company.
Claude Makelele’s Resignation
The former Real Madrid and Chelsea star withdrew from judging due to personal reasons, further intensifying speculation.
Princess Camilla di Borbone’s Withdrawal
The president of the Miss Universe 2025 selection committee also stepped down, forcing MUO to revise the final panel.
Voting Irregularities and People’s Choice Scandal
Voting officially closed on 19 November.
However, MUO suddenly extended it without explanation.
After the extension, Paraguay’s votes skyrocketed to 1.6 million in just one hour. Fans from the Philippines, Bangladesh and other countries accused MUO of manipulating results.
Miss Palestine later released a video claiming irregularities and alleged tampering.
Coronation Night Chaos: Accusations of a Rigged Pageant
After Fátima Bosch was crowned, spectators in the arena loudly chanted the phrase cooking show, a pageant slang meaning a fixed or cooked result. Videos of the chants quickly spread online.
Some judges, including Louie Heredia and Natalie Glebova, hinted at concerns regarding the lack of an accounting firm verifying scores.
Reign Begins: Fátima Bosch’s First Day as Miss Universe
Despite controversy, Fátima Bosch officially stepped into her role as Miss Universe 2025 with elegance and confidence.
She posted a photo in a white robe wearing her crown and sash, captioned First day at work. Her follower count immediately jumped to three million.
Supporters wrote things like:
The most beautiful Miss Universe
Omg so fire
You are breathtaking
However, critics accused her of being unworthy and called her Miss Fake Winner. Some expressed disappointment, while others demanded MUO to review results.
A viral complaint compared her win to irregularities in the Beyond the Crown rankings.
MUO Responds to Allegations
The Miss Universe Organization firmly denied all allegations of rigging.
They stated that:
All results remain official
All protocols were followed
Judges’ resignations did not influence the scoring system
Despite their statements, the controversy continued dominating social media and international news coverage.
The Resignation of Host Steve Byrne
Three days after the pageant, host Steve Byrne resigned from his role.
He also expressed concern and sympathy for Miss Jamaica, who suffered an injury before withdrawing from the pageant.
His resignation deepened the public’s perception that something serious happened behind the scenes.
Final Thoughts on Miss Universe 2025
Miss Universe 2025 will go down as one of the most talked about editions in history. It had glamour, representation, cultural celebration and global unity, but it was overshadowed by:
Voting scandals
Judges’ resignations
Organizational disputes
Public allegations of pre selection
And emotional reactions from fans worldwide
Despite the chaos, Fátima Bosch begins her reign with grace, determination and a hope to prove herself as an inspiring Miss Universe.
Time will reveal whether the dust settles or whether 2025 remains the most controversial pageant year of the decade.
Frequently Asked Questions About Miss Universe 2025
- Who won Miss Universe 2025
Miss Universe 2025 was won by Fatima Bosch of Mexico. She was crowned in Thailand after competing against 120 delegates from around the world. - Where was Miss Universe 2025 held
The 74th Miss Universe pageant took place in Nonthaburi, Thailand in November 2025. - Who were the runners up of Miss Universe 2025
Praveenar Singh of Thailand was the first runner up, Stephany Abasali of Venezuela was the second runner up, Ahtisa Manalo of the Philippines was the third runner up, and Olivia Yace of Cote d Ivoire was the fourth runner up. - Why is Miss Universe 2025 surrounded by controversy
Miss Universe 2025 became controversial due to allegations of rigged voting, the resignation of judges, and claims that the results were predetermined. The Miss Universe Organization has denied these allegations. - What did judge Omar Harfouch accuse the organization of
Omar Harfouch claimed on Instagram that Miss Mexico was predetermined to win because of business deals between pageant owner Raul Rocha and Fatima Bosch’s father. He resigned before the finale. - Did other judges resign too
Yes. Former professional footballer Claude Makelele also resigned, further fueling criticism and controversy around the event. - What is the meaning of the term cooking show in pageants
In pageant slang, cooking show refers to a competition where the results are believed to be fixed or pre decided rather than based on actual performance. - How did Fatima Bosch respond after winning
Fatima Bosch posted behind the scenes photos on Instagram wearing her crown and sash, captioned First day at work. Her post went viral and her follower count grew to 3 million. - What were the public reactions to her crowning
Reactions were mixed. Many praised her beauty and charm while others criticized the results and questioned whether she deserved the crown. - What is the official stance of the Miss Universe Organization
The Miss Universe Organization said that the results of Miss Universe 2025 are official and that the pageant remains transparent and governed by MUO protocols. - Where can I watch the Miss Universe 2025 replay
Replays generally appear on the official Miss Universe YouTube channel and streaming partners depending on regional broadcast rights. - Who was expected to place in the Top 3 according to critics
Many commenters referenced that Miss Vietnam Huong Giang was listed in the Top 3 according to preliminary rankings, sparking confusion when Miss Netherlands received the award instead. - Was there an audience reaction during the crowning
Yes. According to Nation Thailand, the crowd chanted cooking show as a sign of protest against what they believed were predetermined results. - How old is Fatima Bosch
Fatima Bosch is 25 years old. - What country will host Miss Universe 2026
As of now, the host country for Miss Universe 2026 has not been officially announced.
