Denmark's Victoria Kjær Theilvig is crowned Miss Universe 2024

Victoria Kjær Theilvig is crowned Miss Universe 2024 and becomes the first Dane to ever win the competition.

The glamorous competitive dancer and aspiring lawyer put on an extravagant display at the 73rd Miss Universe final on Saturday evening in Mexico City.

The 21-year-old beauty beat more than 120 other contestants and accepted the tiara from reigning title holder Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua.

The beauty stole the spotlight in a floor-length pink shimmery strapless gown that accentuated her curves. The shimmering ensemble featured intricate sequin embellishment all over with beaded off-shoulder detailing. 

Victoria broke down in tears as he name was announced by American host Mario Lopez and former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo. 

The pageant began with contestants being narrowed down to a shortlist of 30, before five later faced questions on a range of topics, including leadership and resilience.

When asked how she would live differently if nobody would judge her, Victoria said she wouldn't change anything, saying: 'I live by each day.' 

When asked by the judging panel what she would say to those watching, the Danish beauty urged viewers to 'keep fighting … no matter where you come from.'

'I stand here today because I want a change, I want to make history, and that's what I'm doing tonight,' she said.

During the preliminary national costume round, which showcased sparkling outfits that represent what each contestant loves about their homelands, Victoria was a Viking goddess.

She said: 'This costume tells the story of those remarkable figures - women who navigated the seas, led their clans, and celebrated the beauty of life through their courage', she said on Instagram. 

Mexico's María Fernanda Beltrán finished as the first runner-up, while Nigeria's Cnidimma Adetshina secured the second runner-up position, while contestants from Thailand, Bolivia, Venezuela, Argentina, Puerto Rico, Russia, Chile, Canada and Peru also made it to the top 12.

This year the pageant aimed to be more inclusive,  and accepted women who are married and mothers for the first time, including Miss Universe UAE Emilia Dobreva. 

Meanwhile age and body type were also no longer restricted, last year the final 20 included Jane Dipika Garrett the first plus-size contestant to win the Miss Universe Nepal crown.

Even though the grand final is the competition's main event, the national costume round at the preliminary is a fan favourite and this year's queens did not disappoint.

Nature and botanicals were the inspiration for many of the costumes, including Miss Guatemala, Ana Gabriela Villanueva's beaded leaf display and Miss Belarus Eleonora Kachalovskaya in a fantastical floral garb.

Miss Argentina, Magalí Benejam, sported a sparkling toucan atop her head in a rainforest-themed display, with blue feathers cascading down from her arms to represent a waterfall. 

Similarly, Miss Guatemala, Ana Gabriela Villanueva, had palm and fern leaves exploding from her silhouette as she wore a sequined one-piece which paid homage to her country's indigenous women and children.

Miss Great Britain dressed up in a leaf-adorned jumpsuit with a huge gold crown to represent the UK's 121 million oak trees.

Miss Ecuador, Tema Mara's larger-than-life costume featured a model of her homeland's capital, Quito's historic churches balanced across her shoulders.

Tatiana Calmell of Peru looked like a golden goddess, not letting her Miss Universe sash get in the way of her luminous costume.

Miss Netherlands, Faith Landman, stunned onlookers as her blue-and-white gown transformed to look like an enormous piece of pottery, as a nod to the traditional Dutch craft.

Taking a unique approach, Miss Chile, Emilia Dides, represented one of her country's favourite game shows Sábado Gigante by wearing the program's roulette wheel.

Miss Trinidad and Tobago, Jenelle Thongs, went for a feathered carnival look and was given the Miss Congeniality award for the contestant who has the most friendly, approachable and kind personality.

Miss Cuba, Marianela Ancheta, took inspiration from the Cuban goddess Oshún, associated with love, fertility, and purity.

Switzerland's Laura Bircher channelled a look reminiscent of Disney's Frozen as she adorned a sparkling corset with a ruffled skirt and gem-encrusted sleeves. 

Ashley Callingbull is the first Indigenous woman to be crowned Miss Universe Canada and proudly wore a spectacular multi-colour full gown as a tribute to her heritage. 

Appearing predictably patriotic, Miss USA, Alma Cooper, dressed up as American figure Uncle Sam with a Fourth-of-July-style firework display. 

After the national costume round, the ladies stripped off their lavish costumes to walk the runway in co-ordinated swimwear outfits.

Yesterday, the final 30 finalists were announced including one fan-voted favourite, from there, the finalists were whittled down to just 12.

This year's judges included social media star Lele Pons, 1978 Miss Universe Margaret Gardiner, Colombian singer Fariana Telemundo, host Jéssica Carrillo, music producer Emilio Estefan, Brazilian artist Romero Britto, fashion icon Eva Cavalli, and designer Michael Cinco.

The 2024 crown, named 'Lumiere De L'Infini', has been described by president and founder of Miss Universe Raul Rocha as 'the most beautiful in the history of Miss Universe'.

Designed and handmade by Filipino jeweller, Jewelmer, it features 23 rare golden pearls, the national gem of the Philippines.

Belarus, Eritrea, Guinea, and the United Arab Emirates are being represented at the Miss Universe event for the first time this year.

Seven nations have made their return to the competition including Cuba who was last represented in 1967 and Fiji in 1981.

Panama contestant, Italy Mora, was unfortunately disqualified just days ago after she allegedly broke the pageant's strict rules by leaving her hotel to visit her boyfriend without permission.