One of the most controversial and drama-fuelled Miss Universe seasons has officially come to an end with the announcement of the 2025 winner: Miss Mexico, Fátima Bosch.
Unfolding in Bangkok, Thailand on November 21st, the Miss Universe finale marked the 74th annual pageant since its inception in 1952. One of the longest-running beauty pageants on the planet, alongside UK-based Miss World, the pageantry competition recently lifted restrictions such as marital status, gender identity and age limits from its requirements to partake. However, it still leaves much to be desired in its continued perpetuation of unrealistic beauty standards, particularly when it comes to body image.
The finale began with all 120 contestants for 2025 taking to the stage before the top 30 were revealed. Among them were Miss USA, Miss Puerto Rico, Miss China, Miss Croatia and Miss Venezuela.
The first round of the finale saw the top 30 take to the stage for the swimsuit portion of the event, before being dwindled down to a top 12. Following this, the final dozen entered the evening wear part of the final.
Closing out the night, 12 became five – Thailand, Phillipines, Venezuela, Mexico and Côte d’Ivoire – all of whom then partook in a Q and A session to narrow the competition down to one Miss Universe winner. Ultimately, it was Miss Mexico who took home the crown.
Miss Mexico & The Miss Universe Controversy, Explained
Following a viral moment earlie rthis month, Miss Mexico not only continued through the pageant but took out the entire 2025 competition. Need a refresher?
Just weeks prior to the final, the Miss Universe 2025 competition found itself the centre of controversy when footage of multiple contestants walking out of the pageant circulated online.
During a pre-pageant ceremony, which was livestreamed, Miss Mexico, Fátima Bosch, clashed with Thai pageant director Nawat Itsaragrisil when she was berated for failing to post promotional content, going as far as being called “dumb” by the official.
The confrontation led to not just Bosch standing up and walking out, but many of her fellow contestants, who had watched on with audible gasps, going with her.
The Miss Universe Organisation condemned Mr Nawat’s behaviour as “malicious” and he later apologised for his behaviour.
Speaking about the ordeal afterwards, Bosch said in an Instagram video: “We’re in the 21st century, and I’m not a doll to be made up, styled, and have my clothes changed.
“I came here to be a voice for all the women and all the girls who fight for causes and to tell my country that I’m completely committed to that.”
Bosch just proved you can speak up for yourself, stand your ground as a woman and take home a crown while you’re at it.
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