Nigeria’s Chidinma Shines at Miss Universe 2024, Claims First Runner-Up Position
Miss Denmark crowned winner in thrilling finale at Mexico City's Arena CDMX
In a historic moment for Nigeria at the 73rd Miss Universe Pageant, Chidinma Onwe Adetshina secured the first runner-up position in a nail-biting finale that saw Miss Denmark, Victoria Kjær Theilvig, receive the crown from outgoing queen Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua early Sunday morning in Mexico City.
Journey to the Crown
The competition, which began with 126 contestants, including 18 from African nations, featured multiple rounds of intense competition. From the National Costume Show on November 14th to the swimsuit round that narrowed the field to 30 contestants, the pageant showcased the diverse talents and cultural heritage of participants worldwide.
Adetshina’s remarkable journey stood out as she emerged as the only African contestant to reach the top 12 semi-finals. Her stellar performance continued through the evening gown segment, where she advanced to the top five, ultimately securing her place in the final two after a challenging question-and-answer session.
From Controversy to Glory
The Nigerian beauty queen’s path to the global stage was marked by determination. Earlier this year, she withdrew from the Miss South Africa pageant following controversy over her Nigerian heritage. Undeterred by online trolling, Adetshina maintained her focus, transforming potential setback into international success.
The final rankings saw Denmark’s Theilvig claiming the title, followed by Nigeria’s Adetshina as first runner-up. Mexico’s Maria Fernanda Beltran, Thailand’s Suchata Chuangsri, and Venezuela’s Ileana Marquez completed the top five, finishing third, fourth, and fifth respectively.
As the newly crowned Miss Universe 2024, Theilvig’s reign will include an ambitious 30-country tour and a groundbreaking opportunity to host a travel show, marking a first in the pageant’s history. The winner’s package also includes a year’s supply of jewelry and cosmetics.
The dramatic conclusion at Arena CDMX notably took place without Miss South Africa 2024, Mia Le Roux, who withdrew just before the finale citing health concerns, adding another unexpected twist to an already memorable competition.
