Miss Universe 2025: Everything You Need to Know

The Countdown to Crown Begins

The global stage is set as 120 extraordinary women from around the world prepare to compete for the coveted Miss Universe 2025 crown. The 74th annual pageant, set to take place in Bangkok, Thailand, on November 21, 2025, promises to be a spectacular celebration of talent, intelligence, and cultural diversity. With Denmark's reigning queen Victoria Kjær Theilvig ready to pass her crown, excitement is building for what the Miss Universe Organization calls "The Power of Love" theme – promoting compassion, inclusivity, and strength.

When and Where to Watch the Grand Finale

The main event will be held at the Impact Challenger Hall in Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, Thailand, starting at 8:00 AM local time. For viewers in India, this translates to an early morning broadcast at 6:30 AM IST. The global audience can tune in via the official Miss Universe YouTube channel for live coverage. The finale is expected to be a three-hour extravaganza, featuring a spectacular opening number, state-of-the-art LED visuals, and flawless choreography.

Meet the Diverse Contenders

This year's contestants represent an inspiring array of backgrounds and achievements:

Albania's Flavia Harizaj (26), a finance graduate and women's empowerment advocate
Angola's Maria Cunha (22), founder of Mwiji Wami providing training for young women with hearing disabilities
Armenia's Peggy Garabekian (30), a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Armenian community leader
Australia's Lexie Brant (21), occupational therapy student and mental health advocate
Bahamas' Maliqué Bowe (25), magna cum laude accounting graduate and mental health champion

India's Hope: Manika Vishwakarma

All eyes will be on Manika Vishwakarma, representing India at the pageant. The 25-year-old Rajasthan native won the Miss Universe India title in August 2025. If she wins, she would become the fourth Indian woman to claim the crown, following Sushmita Sen (1994), Lara Dutta (2000), and Harnaaz Sandhu (2021). Manika has already dazzled audiences with her shimmering sheer gown covered in silver gems and metallic embroidery, showcasing India's rich sartorial heritage on the global stage.

Behind the Scenes: A Director's Perspective

Director Marcus Viner, bringing global production experience to Bangkok, praised the Thai team's pageantry expertise. "The Thais have a fantastic history in pageantry. They really understand the format, how to make it graceful, impactful, big, and exciting," Viner shared. He emphasized the contestants' remarkable camaraderie: "They seem to be genuinely having a good time. Even after eight hours of rehearsal, they're still smiling." The production features a massive stage with extensive LED screens and precise timing to accommodate global broadcasts.

"I think the girls have had a great time in Thailand. There's a lot of fantastic hospitality... The camaraderie between the girls has been fantastic." – Marcus Viner, Miss Universe Director

Why This Year's Pageant Matters

Beyond the glamour, Miss Universe 2025 highlights contemporary issues through its contestants' platforms. From fighting food insecurity in Bangladesh to promoting financial literacy in Belize, these women use their influence to drive meaningful change. The early morning schedule in Thailand underscores the global nature of the event, with contestants arriving at 6:00 AM for glam preparations – a testament to their dedication and professionalism.

As the world watches, Miss Universe 2025 promises not just a coronation, but a powerful demonstration of modern femininity – where intelligence, compassion, and cultural pride take center stage. The crown awaits its next bearer, but every contestant has already made history by representing her nation with grace and purpose.