Groundbreaking Moments in the 2024 Miss Universe Pageant: 20 Contestants Who Made History

The 2024 Miss Universe pageant was not just a celebration of beauty; it was a monumental event that highlighted diversity, resilience, and groundbreaking achievements. Here are 20 contestants who left a significant mark on this year's competition.

1. Victoria Kjær Theilvig – Miss Denmark's Historic Win

Victoria Kjær Theilvig, at just 21 years old, became the first Miss Denmark to win the Miss Universe title. Not only did she place in the top five for the first time since 1963, but she also advocates for mental health and animal rights while pursuing a career in law.

2. Ruby Pouchet – A Long-Awaited Comeback

At 29, Ruby Pouchet represented Bonaire for the first time in 25 years but did not advance to the top 30. Despite this, her presence marked a significant comeback for her country.

3. Marianela Ancheta – Miss Cuba’s Return

Marianela Ancheta broke a 57-year hiatus for Cuba by competing in Miss Universe. The 31-year-old model and businesswoman aimed to raise awareness about mental health and made it to the top 30.

4. Logina Salah – Breaking Boundaries for Vitiligo Awareness

Logina Salah from Egypt made headlines as the first contestant with vitiligo to compete. At 34, this multi-talented individual is a model, makeup artist, and TV presenter, dedicated to changing perceptions of skin conditions.

5. Saran Bah – A Historic Representation from Guinea

Saran Bah, 29, made history as the first Miss Guinea to compete at Miss Universe while studying for her master's degree in business administration.

6. Shyanne Mcintosh – The Shortest Contestant Ever

At about 5-foot-1, Shyanne Mcintosh became the shortest contestant in Miss Universe's history. The 25-year-old accountant proudly represented Gibraltar after 34 years, declaring, “I may be small, but I stand tall.”

7. Cassandra Chiu – Macau Joins the Miss Universe Stage

Cassandra Chiu represented Macau for the first time in Miss Universe history, securing a spot in the top 30. At 23, she is also a dancer and digital creator.

8. Beatrice Njoya – The Oldest Contestant at 40

Miss Malta Beatrice Njoya, at 40, was the oldest competitor. As a survivor of domestic violence, she works tirelessly with NGOs to advocate against violence toward women.

9. Mariyam Saina Naseem – Maldives' Controversial Representation

Mariyam Saina Naseem stirred debate in the Maldives as the first Miss Maldives to compete. Her participation drew criticism due to cultural beliefs about pageants.

10. Khadija Omar – The Hijab in Miss Universe History

Khadija Omar, representing Somalia, was the first contestant to wear a hijab on the Miss Universe stage. At 23, she previously wore a hijab at Miss World in 2021.

11. Djulieta Calalb – A Debut for Moldova

Djulieta Calalb, 20, made history as the first Miss Moldova. She is involved in organizing fashion events and advocates for sports development in her country.

12. Davin Prasath – A Milestone for Cambodia

Davin Prasath became the first Miss Cambodia to earn a place in the top tier since the country’s debut in Miss Universe in 2017, emphasizing her commitment to community service.

13. Rumina Ivezaj – Montenegro's First Miss Universe

At 19, Rumina Ivezaj represented Montenegro, marking her country's entry into the competition while advocating for environmental conservation.

14. Chelsea Manalo – A Trailblazer from the Philippines

Chelsea Manalo stands out as the first Filipino of African descent to participate in Miss Universe. She began modeling at 14 and holds a degree in tourism management.

15. Tea Gjorgievska – North Macedonia’s First Contestant

Tea Gjorgievska represented North Macedonia, aiming to inspire individuality and inclusivity.

16. Alma Cooper – The First Afro-Latina Miss USA

Alma Cooper, 22, made her mark as the first Afro-Latina to represent the USA at Miss Universe. A recent West Point graduate, she is pursuing a master's in data science.

17. Ava Vahneshan – The First Miss Persia

Ava Vahneshan, 26, took to the Miss Universe stage as the first Miss Persia, sharing her aspirations as a singer and model.

18. Chidimma Adetshina – A Remarkable Journey from Nigeria

Chidimma Adetshina made history by placing in the top five for Nigeria after a challenging journey that involved advocacy for diversity and inclusion.

19. Emilia Dobreva – Pioneering Miss United Arab Emirates

Emilia Dobreva, 27, became the first Miss United Arab Emirates to compete, already celebrated in her modeling career.

20. Nigina Fakhriddinova – Uzbekistan's Debutante

Nigina Fakhriddinova marked Uzbekistan's first entry into Miss Universe at age 25, shining as a model and exemplifying her country's spirit.

The 2024 Miss Universe competition showcased not only beauty but also strength and determination, as these trailblazing women challenged norms and represented their countries with pride.