Miss Universe 2025 highlights: Mexico's Fatima Bosch wins the crown; internet divided over results

India's Manika Vishwakarma shared a post on Instagram Stories, shortly after the Miss Universe ceremony wound up. She reposted a picture of herself posted by another beauty queen Nandini Gupta with the message, “Thank you so much, you are our pride. Rajasthani Supremacy,” she wrote.

The Miss Universe Organization has not officially disclosed the prize money for this year’s winner. However, reports suggest it is expected to be around $250,000 — the same amount awarded to the 2024 titleholder, Victoria Kjær.

The winner also receives a monthly stipend of $50,000 to cover travel, appearances and other brand-related commitments.

But the perks extend well beyond the prize money. The winner is given a luxurious residence in the heart of New York City, one of the world’s most expensive destinations. She also gets to wear the Miss Universe crown, valued at about $5 million.

“MEXICO AND THAILAND WERE THE WEAKEST IN THE TWO QNA ROUNDS. How dis they end up in the top two?!????,” read a tweet.

Online, people are posting tweets and posts about who deserved to win instead of Miss Mexico. Miss Cote d'Ivoire and Miss Philippines are favourites of most.

"Congratulations to our new Miss Universe. Tonight, a star was born. Her grace, strength, and radiant spirit captured the hearts of the world, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome her as our new queen. The universe shines a little brighter with her leading the way," wrote the Miss Universe Org in a tweet.

The reactions to Mexico's win are divided between ‘well deserved’ as a ‘damage control' move by Miss Universe org. “All because of her controversy with Nawat. This was clearly PR damage control for the MU Org. FYI 2 judges quit prior to the final night... so go figure,” read a tweet. “WELL DESERVED and everybody disagreeing can choke on it,” argued another.

Fatima Bosch celebrates with fellow queens and staff.

Fatima is quite active on social media and has 1.8 million followers on Instagram. She posts pictures of her modelling gig, her family and even a few childhood photos there.

Fatima Bosch battled a major controversy earlier this month to emerge as the winner of Miss Universe crown.

Fatima Bosch staged a dramatic walkout two weeks ago — still in her evening gown and high heels — after being publicly criticised by Miss Universe host Nawat Itsaragrisil during a meeting.

In a livestream of the session, Nawat appeared to single out Miss Mexico and call her a “dumbhead” while arguing over her alleged failure to post required promotional content on social media. He has since denied using the word.

After he called for security to intervene, a besashed Bosch left the room, flanked by Miss Iraq in a bejewelled, floor-length robe.

“What your director did is not respectful — he called me dumb,” Bosch told reporters. “The world needs to see this because we are empowered women, and this is a platform for our voice.”

Several contestants seemed to rise in solidarity before Nawat warned those wishing to continue in the pageant to “sit down”.

The controversy drew a response from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who on Wednesday praised Bosch as “an example of how women should speak out” when facing aggression.

“In public events, I say women look prettier when we speak out,” she added. “So my recognition goes to this young woman.”

Mexico’s embassy in Thailand said on Facebook that it is in constant contact with Bosch and her family, though it did not respond to AFP’s request for further comment.

Fourth runner up: Cote d'Ivoire

Third runner up: Philippines

Second runner up: Venezuela

First runner up: Thailand

Winner: Mexico

Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjær Theilvig took her final walk as Miss Universe before crowning the next Miss Universe.

Miss Universe 2025 LIVE: For the second part of question-answer round, the contestants will be asked the same question. They will take turns to answer the questions.

The question is how they will use the Miss Universe title to empower young girls.

Miss Cote d'Ivoire stood out with her answer about representation and making their way into rooms they don't think they belong in.

‘What emotional skill should be taught to every child in school,' she was asked. She said she would like children to be taught to love themselves.

Miss Mexico was asked about the challenges of being a woman in 2025. She said she will use her voice in service of others.

Miss Philippines was asked about the cause she would support as a person with cultural power. She chose the cause of the economically backward members of the society, giving her own example of how she rose from her humble origins to make a mark.

Miss Thailand was the first to take on a question in the question-answer round. She was asked about what she would speak about in front of th UN Assembly.

She chose women empowerment as her topic.

Disgraced committee member Nawat Itsaragrisil was also spotted in the audience. He smiled and bowed to the camera.

What happened with Nawat earlier this month?

In a livestream of a sash ceremony, Nawat appeared to single out Miss Mexico and call her a “dumbhead” during a dispute over her alleged failure to post promotional content on her social media. He has since denied using the term.

After he called for security to step in, a besashed Bosch walked out, accompanied by Miss Iraq in a bejewelled floor-length robe.

“What your director did is not respectful — he called me dumb,” Bosch told reporters. “The world needs to see this because we are empowered women, and this platform is meant for our voices.”

1. Thailand
2. Philippines
3. Venezuela
4. Mexico
5. Cote d'Ivoire

Miss Universe 2025 LIVE: Philippines' Ma Ahtisa Manalo stunned all in her beautiful silver gown. Wispy fabric moved around her like mist as she walked down the ramp.

Chile was the first to walk down the stage for the evening gown round. She wore a pink and blue shimmery, beautiful gown.

Miss Universe 2026 will be hosted in Puerto Rico. It will be the 75th, silver jubilee edition of the pageant and the third time the country will host it.

India's Manika Vishwakarma is out of the competition, having faied to make it to Top 12.

After the swimsuit round, the jury has decided on top 12:

1. Chile- Inna Moll
2. Colombia- Vanessa Pulgarin
3. Cuba- Lina Luaces
4. Guadeloupe- Ophely Mezino
5. Mexico- Fatima Bosch
6. Puerto Rico- Zashely Alicea
7. Venezuela- Stephany Abasali
8. China- Zhao Na
9. Philippines- Ma Ahtisa Manalo
10. Thailand- Praveenar Singh
11. Malta- Julia Ann Cluette
12. Coite d'ivoire- Olivia Yace

Miss Palestine was fully covered for the swimsuit round. She wore a white top and tights with a large white train behind her.

Top 30 contestants are now participating in the swimsuit round. They are wearing bikinis in shades of white, red and navy blue. India's Manika Vishwakarma wore a white monokini with golden details.