Fatima Bosch of Mexico was crowned Miss Universe 2025 in a finale that solidified her status as a fan favorite, following a viral pre-pageant incident where she was publicly berated by a Thai director, triggering a mass walkout in solidarity.
November 21, 2025: Fatima Bosch, the 25-year-old humanitarian from Mexico, was crowned Miss Universe 2025 in a dramatic and emotional conclusion to the 74th annual pageant, held in Thailand. Bosch received the coveted crown from the outgoing Miss Universe 2024, Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark.
Bosch’s victory marks a significant moment, capping a journey that began with a high-profile controversy during the preliminary events.
The Walkout that Redefined the Pageant
In the initial days of the competition, the pageant was rocked by a live-streamed incident where Thai pageant director Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly chastised Miss Mexico over alleged failures to post promotional content on her social media, reportedly calling her a “dumbhead.”
Fatima Bosch, standing her ground, asserted her right to a voice and told the director, “You are not respecting me as a woman.” She dramatically walked out of the event in her gown and heels, an act of defiance that was immediately followed by several other contestants, including the reigning Miss Universe. The widespread public support for Bosch cemented her status as a favorite for the crown.
In the final question round, Bosch’s answer seemed to echo her earlier stand for dignity and self-worth, aligning perfectly with the year’s theme, ‘The Power of Love.’
Fatima Bosch’s Final Answer: “Believe in the power of your authenticity. Your dreams matter, your heart matters. Never let anyone make you doubt your worth, because you are worth everything.”
Finalists and India’s Journey
The highly-anticipated finale saw the Top 5 finalists showcase grace and poise before the final decision. The top placements were:
- 1st Runner-Up: Praveenar Singh (Thailand)
- 2nd Runner-Up: Stephany Abasali (Venezuela)
- 3rd Runner-Up: Ahtisa Manalo (Philippines)
- 4th Runner-Up: Olivia Yacé (Ivory Coast)
Meanwhile, Manika Vishwakarma, the delegate from India, exited the competition after failing to advance past the Top 12 round. India’s quest for a fourth Miss Universe crown continues, following Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu’s victory in 2021. Indian badminton legend Saina Nehwal served on the prestigious judging panel for the finals.
The competition, widely known as the “Super Bowl” of beauty pageants, featured over 100 contestants and reaffirmed the global reach and passionate fanbases of the industry, particularly in host nation Thailand and the Philippines.