Miss Universe 2023 was the 72nd edition of the Miss Universe competition, which took place on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at the José Adolfo Pineda Arena in San Salvador, El Salvador. Eighty-four contestants from different countries and territories competed for the coveted crown and the title of Miss Universe 2023.
The winner of Miss Universe 2023 was Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua, who became the first Nicaraguan woman to win the Miss Universe title. She is a 23-year-old model and social activist who works to promote education, health, and human rights in her country. She also represented Nicaragua in the 2017 Teen Miss Universe pageant and the 2021 Miss World pageant.
Palacios impressed the judges and the audience with her stunning performance in the swimsuit, evening gown, and interview rounds. She wore a two-piece swimsuit with floral ruffles and a sparkling white gown with a floor-length cape. She answered the final question about who she would choose to spend a day in the life of by saying that she would choose the 18th-century British philosopher and feminist Mary Wollstonecraft, who broke boundaries and gave an opportunity to many women. She added that there are no limitations for women today.
The first runner-up of Miss Universe 2023 was Anntonia Porsild of Thailand, who is a 25-year-old actress, model, and entrepreneur who owns a vegan restaurant and a clothing brand. She said that she would choose to live a day in the life of her mother, who taught her to be strong, independent, and compassionate.
The second runner-up of Miss Universe 2023 was Moraya Wilson of Australia, who is a 24-year-old model and law student who advocates for mental health awareness and suicide prevention. She said that she would choose to live a day in the life of Malala Yousafzai, who inspired her to fight for education and equality for all.
The other two finalists of Miss Universe 2023 were Camila Avella of Colombia and Karla Guilfú of Puerto Rico, who both showcased their beauty, intelligence, and charisma throughout the competition. The Miss Congeniality award went to Athenea Pérez of Spain, who was voted by her fellow contestants as the most friendly and helpful.