What exactly is Miss Universe? For those who haven’t seen or heard about it, don’t worry we’re here to give you all the details. Its the largest international beauty pageant that takes place annually with more than 190 countries from around the world taking part. Oftentimes, it is seen as the most important and prestigious beauty contest on the planet. However, this global contest is a lot more than just a beauty pageant, it’s also about their brains, personalities, and a huge amount of commitment. It appears that the queens get more and more beautiful each year. So, take a look at the most gorgeous Miss Universe winners and decide for yourself.
Who Is The Most Gorgeous ‘Miss Universe’ Beauty Of All Time?
Gal Gadot – 2004
Gal Gadot is possibly the most one on this list. She competed in the 2004 Miss Universe pageant just shortly after she had been crowned Miss Israel. Gadot was only 18 years old when she was earned the title of the nation’s most beautiful woman. However, while participating in the Miss Universe competition, she decided that the pageant lifestyle wasn’t for her. Nevertheless, Gadot decided to then pursue her acting career and today she is not just a ‘Wonder Woman’ but the global star is a mother of two daughters with another one on the way.
Gal Gadot – 2004
Sushmita Sen – 1994
During the 1994 Miss Universe pageant, the gorgeous and renowned Sushmita Sen won the world over with her charm and wisdom. At only 18 years old, Sushmita was crowned the first Indian woman to win the competition. To date, she is still one of the most popular beauty queens of all time. Following her pageant days, Sen went on to become an extremely successful model and Bollywood actress. The stunning 45-year-old beauty is also the mom to two adopted daughters, Renee and Alisah.
Sushmita Sen – 1994
Pia Wurtzbach -2015
Pia Wurtzbach is the Miss Universe winner of 2015. This beyond stunning, Filipean born is also of German descent. She is one of four Fillipean to have won the glorious title. During her reigning year, she was doing the most extraordinary job fulfilling all her duties, one of which was serving as a UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador for Asia & The Pacific. She is also a huge supporter of gender equality and the LGBTQ community. It seems that no matter what she does, this true beauty excels in everything!
Pia Wurtzbach -2015
Wendy Fitzwilliam -1998
The next sweetheart on our list is Trinidad and Tobago, native. Wendy won the Miss Universe title in 1998 and became the second Miss Universe in history from Trinidad & Tobago and was also the fourth woman of African heritage to take home the crown. During her reign, she was honored by the United Nations for her work in HIV/AIDS education and awareness. After her year as Miss Universe, she continued her education in Law and was also admitted to the bar. Truly extraordinary!
Wendy Fitzwilliam -1998
Olivia Culpo – 2012
Olivia Culpo was crowned Miss Universe in 2012 when she was 20 years old. Hailing from the USA, Culpo became the 8th representative from the United States to win the title. During her year as Miss Universe, she embraced her support for the LGBTQ community, and today she is an ambassador for Best Buddies. But that’s not all, Olivia Culpo is now 28 years old fashion influencer and social media personality which mean young girls look up to as a role model
Olivia Culpo – 2013
Angela Ponce 2018
2018 was probably one of the most revelationary years within the pageant world. It was a huge, historical moment especially for the LGBTQ community as Angela Ponce, Spain’s Miss Universe became the first-ever transgender competitor. Even though Ponce did not win the completion she still made millions of people all over the world so proud for getting as far as she did. The ban for transgender contestants ended in 2012 but since then no one has ever made it as far as her. Since then, she has appeared on many magazine covers, modeled for many big brands. Ponce is also a huge social media influencer with over 650 000 Instagram followers.
Angela Ponce -2018
Jennifer Hawkins – 2004
Jennifer Hawkins worked as a dance choreographer where she specializing in Hip Hop and Ballet in Australia before she competing in Miss Australia and ultimately Miss Universe. During her reign, she was based in New York City but traveled to many different countries around the world. In 2008, Hawkins was a judge for the Miss Universe 2008 pageant. The 36-year model and businesswoman was also the host of Australia’s Next Top Model.
Jennifer Hawkins – 2004
Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters – 2015
Our next queen on the list is without a doubt possibly one of the most exquisite women to ever win the title. The South African born is not just a model but an actress as well. Demi-Leigh won Miss Universe in 2015 and completely wowed the world. Currently this stunning 25 years old is living in the United States of America with her husband, Tim Tebow. The Professional Baseball player and Demi tied the knot back in South Africa at the beginning of 2020.
Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters – 2015
Iris Mittenaere – 2016
2016 Miss Universe is the Ravishing French-born, Iris Mittenaere. Believe it or not but she is actually the second winner from France to receive the esteemed crown. Prior to entering Miss Universe Mittenaere was on the road to becoming a dental surgeon but it seemed as though life had another plan for her. However, during her reign as Miss France, she promoted oral hygiene and launched an awareness campaign on oral health.
Iris Mittenaere – 2016
Zozibini Tunzi – 2019
Zozibini Tunzi is currently the Miss Universe titleholder. The gorgeous South African model from South Africa is the third woman from South Africa and the first black beauty queen since Leila Lopes (2011) to achieve such an honorable title. Up until now, she has been a huge inspiration for young girls and women all over the world, as she is a massive advocate for women’s empowerment and leadership.
Zozibini Tunzi – 2019
Dayanara Torres – 1993
Puerto Rican native Dayanara Torres was actually discovered at the young age of 17 in her hometown, where she was immediately asked to take part in the annual Miss Puerto Rico pageant. After winning the pageant she was immediately chosen to represent her country in the 1993 Miss Universe pageant. During her reign as Miss Universe, she became an ambassador for UNICEF. Currently, the 45-year-old is looking absolutely gorgeous, just as she was back when she won the prestigious beauty pageant.
Dayanara Torres – 1993
Riyo Mori – 2007
Riyo Mori is the second woman to take home the Miss Universe title. Originally from Japan, Mori has been other talents besides being just a beautiful face. She is also a model, actress, and an avid dancer. Since she was only 4 years old she could be found practicing tap or jazz in her mother’s dance studio. Her dream of owning a dance studio with her mom became a reality just two after winning Miss Universe. The two teach ballet, jazz, and tap, as well as some exercise-based lessons for adults.
Riyo Mori – 2007
Lorraine Downes – 1983
Another Miss Universe beauty queen that happens to also be a dancer is New Zealand-born, Lorraine Downes. The magnificent woman took home the title back when Miss Universe was still fairly new to the world. Downes’ win was New Zealand’s first in the pageant’s history which instantly made her a massive star. Without a doubt, Lorraine is still one of the most gorgeous beauties to win the Miss Universe title and crown.
Lorraine Downes – 1983
Amelia Vega – 2003
Amelia Vega became the first Dominican Republic woman to be named Miss Universe. During her reign which began in 2003, she appeared on many magazine covers such as InStyle, Glamour, Haper’s Bazaar, and Cosmopolitan. However, she accomplished a lot more, while traveling the world, she worked with several internationally recognized HIV/AIDS organizations to help increase awareness, resources, and funding for these organizations. Since then, the 36-year-old mom of 3 opened two boutiques in Miami as well as appearing in a few movies.
Amelia Vega – 2003
Paulina Vega – 2014
The next stunning beauty queen on our list is Paulina Vega, who was crowned the Miss Universe title in 2014. She is the second Columbian woman to have ever taken home the crown. During her reign, Paulina was committed to traveling the world to promote education regarding HIV/AIDS to both children and young adults. Her goal was not only to raise awareness but to help and support those fighting the disease.
Paulina Vega – 2014
Gabriela Isler – 2013
Crowned Miss Venezuela in 2012 and Miss Universe in 2013, Gabriela Isler knows exactly how to capture her audience. She became modeling at the young age of 14, which ultimately lead her to represent Venuzelua in the Miss Universe beauty pageant when she was 25 years old. Since her reign ended, she has become a successful model and activist where she spends the majority of her time empowering, promoting, and educating people on social issues. Isler is the founder of Universe of Blessings Fund, which is a charity organization dedicated to female empowerment and counseling.
Gabriela Isler – 2013
Georgina Rizk – 1971
Georgina Rizk was crowned Miss Universe in 1971. She did not only become a leading figure in Lebanon -her country of origin, but also in the world. Rizk won the title during a very turbulent time but still, it was a very proud moment for her Lebanese around the world. The 19-year-old model life was one that was not only interesting but deeply embedded in politics due to the marriage to her first husband, Ali Hasan Salameh “The Red Prince”, a leader in the PLO (Palestinian Liberation Organization). Today, at 67 years old, Georgina Rizk is one of the main judges for Miss Lebanon.
Georgina Rizk – 1971
Armi Kuusela – 1952
Originating from Finland, Armi Helena Kuusela was the first beauty queen to be crowned the title of Miss Universe in 1952. Armi was just 17 years old at the time of the pageant where she competed against just 30 other constants from around the world. Her prize was nothing compared to what the winners are gifted today, she simply received a box of chocolates, a gold bangle, and a return ticket to the United States. However, much to everyone’s amazement, Armi gave up her crown very soon after she had won it…all in the name of love and marriage.
Armi Kuusela – 1952
Rina Messinger – 1976
Rina Messinger is the first and only beauty queen from Israel to ever win the title of Miss Universe. At just 20 years old she competed and won the pageant, her first comment as the new Miss Universe was, “I’m no politician. I think my being Miss Universe will show people that Israel has another side, not only war”. However, extensive security measures were taken during her world tour. Several years after completing her reign, Messinger began studying towards her law degree. At 64 years she is still practicing as a lawyer in Tel Aviv.
Rina Messinger – 1976
Mona Grudt – 1990
Mona Grudt is the first and only beauty queen from Norway to win the prestigious crown and title. She was a clear favorite to the judges right from the beginning, her natural beauty, intelligence, and dignity are really what impressed the judges. She also had a great reign, where she even appeared on an episode of Star Trek. Today the gorgeous beauty is the editor of the Norwegian wedding magazine as well as a model and TV presenter.
Mona Grudt – 1990
Ximena Navarrete – 2010
Ximena Navarrete began modeling when she was 16 years old. After the Mexican native won Miss Universe, she traveled the world and also became the spokesperson for L’Oreal and Old Navy. This is what lead her to become a successful actress and model. The gorgeous pageant queen has received compliments from around the world for her timeless yet elegant beauty.
Ximena Navarrete – 2010
Michelle McLean – 1992
At just 18 years old, Michelle McLean entered the world of international modeling when she was crowned Miss Nambia. The following year, in 1992, she went on to win the 41st Miss Universe pageant. During her reign, McLean founded the Michelle McLean Children’s Trust which is located in Namibia which focuses on the education and care of underprivileged children. Since her time Michelle has accomplished some amazing things, such as hosting Miss World in 2009, was the face of Lux Lotion in South Africa as well as building a primary school in her name in Nambia.
Michelle McLean -1992
Zuleyka Rivera – 2006
Zuleyka Rivera always dreamed of being a beauty queen which explains why she participated in so many local parents before making her way to the Miss Universe stage. At only 18 years old, Rivera, who was Miss Puerto-Rico at the time became the youngest woman ever to win the title. During her reign, Zuleyka Rivera traveled to many countries around the world and undertook many adventures. However, at 33 years old, her most recent adventure is motherhood. She describes the experience to son Sebastian as exciting.
Zuleyka Rivera – 2006
Mpule Kwelagobe – 1999
Kwelagobe who is originally from Bostwana, began her modeling career and pageantry when she was just a teenager. At the time of her winning the Miss Botswana beauty contestant, she was 17 years old and still in high school and was the youngest woman to ever win. Two years later, Mpule Kwelagobe became the fourth black woman to win Miss Universe. After her reign, Kwelagobe enrolled in Columbia University where she graduated with a degree in international political economy. Today she is known as a successful businesswoman and investor who has been recognized as a human health rights activist.
Mpule Kwelagobe – 1999
Natalie Glebova – 2005
Natalya Glebov was born in Russia, but at the age of 13, she and her family moved to Toronto, Canada. Once Natalie had graduated high school she worked as a professional model while studying towards a Bachelor of Commerce. After winning the coveted Miss Universe title in 2005, Glebova traveled extensively and immersed herself in a campaign to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS. She also adventured to Africa to attend an AIDS educational Tour. Today, the 39-year-old beauty is an author of a major best-seller as well as a mom to an adorable daughter, Maya.
Natalie Glebova – 2005
Lara Dutta – 2000
This Indian beauty, Lara Dutta won the Miss Universe in 1990. During her reign, she traveled to 42 countries but her win also lead to her appointment as a UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador. Lara Dutta is the second beauty queen from India to win the Miss Universe title. Since then Dutta has managed to maintain a successful acting career in both film and television. The 42-year-old stunner is married to an Indian tennis player and is fluent in English and Hindi
Lara Dutta – 1990
Brooke Lee- 1997
At 26 years old, Brooke Lee won the Miss Universe crown and title in 1997, at the time of her success she was the oldest contestant tot ever take home the title. As a woman of mixed Native Hawaiian, Asian and Caucasian ancestry, she also made history as the first indigenous person to wear the gorgeous crown. This, of course, was a huge accomplishment for her family and the world. These days, she lives in her home state, Hawaii with her husband and two children
Brooke Lee- 1997