The story of Miss Universe began in 1952 due to an act of rebellion carried out by Yolande Betbeze Foxwho after winning Miss America in 1951 refused to pose for a swimsuit brand that was a key sponsor of the pageant, triggering the creation of the beauty pageant.
Now, 73 years later, the most important beauty contest in the world continues and some countries have stood out for obtaining the greatest number of titles, here we list them:
United States: 9 crowns
Since this is the country where the Miss Universe pageant originated, it is no surprise that it ranks first. Additionally, Americans have a strong passion for beauty pageants, as evidenced by the variety of categories that exist in the country. The most recent title was won by R’Bonney Gabriel in January 2023, corresponding to the previous year’s edition.
They were the winners:
- Miriam Jacqueline Stevenson (1954)
- Carol Laverne Morris (1956)
- Linda Jeanne Bement (1960)
- Sylvia Louise Hitchcock (1967)
- Shawn Nichols Weatherly (1980)
- Chelsi Mariam-Pearl Smith (1995)
- Brook Antoinette Mahealani Lee (1997)
- Olivia Frances Culpo (2012)
- R’Bonney Nola Gabriel (2023)
Venezuela: 7 crowns
The South American country has shown that its land abounds in beautiful, charismatic and talented women. The last time Venezuela won the title in 2013, it was thanks to María Gabriela de Jesús Isler.
They were the winners:
- Maritza Sayalero Fernández (1979)
- Irene Lailin Sáez Conde (1981)
- Bárbara Palacios Teyde (1986)
- Yoseph Alicia Machado Fajardo (1996)
- Dayana Sabrina Mendoza Moncada (2008)
- Stefania Fernández Krupij (2009)
- María Gabriela de Jesús Isler Morales (2013)
Puerto Rico: 5 crowns
The famous ‘Island of Enchantment’ is also recognized for the beauty of its women, as demonstrated by their five victories in Miss Universe. Zuleyka Rivera was the last Puerto Rican to obtain the crown, and like her compatriot Dayanara Torres, she has stood out on Latin television in the United States since her triumph.
They were the winners:
- Marisol Malaret Contreras (1970)
- Deborah Fatima Carthy-Deu (1985)
- Dayanara Yari Torres Delgado (1993)
- Denise Marie Quiñones August (2001)
- Zuleyka Jeris Rivera Mendoza (2006)
Philippines: 4 crowns
This Asian country has stood out in the field of international pageants and, as for Miss Universe, it has won four titles. Catriona Gray was the last Philippine beauty queen to win the title.
They were the winners:
- Gloria María Aspillera Díaz (1969)
- María Margarita Roxas Moran (1973)
- Also Alonzo Wurtzbach (2015)
- Catriona Elisa Magnayon Gray (2018)
Mexico: 3 crowns
The country hosting Miss Universe in 2024 has also impressed with its beautiful women. With three crowns in its history, Mexico shares the position with three other countries. However, in numerous editions it has been very close to taking the title, managing to position itself among the finalists.
They were the winners:
- Lupita Jones Garay (1991)
- Ximena Navarrete Rosete (2010)
- Alma Andrea Meza Carmona (2020)
South Africa: 3 crowns
South Africa has proven to be the cradle of beautiful and talented women, obtaining a total of three crowns in Miss Universe. The most recent victory was five years ago with Zozibini Tunzi.
They were the winners:
- Margaret Gardiner (1978)
- Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters (2017)
- Both Tunzi (2019)
India: 3 crowns
This Asian country has also won three times the crown of Miss Universe, the most recent of which was in 2021 thanks to Harnaaz Sandhu.
They were the winners:
- Sushmita Sen (1994)
- Lara Dutta (2000)
- Harnaaz Sandhu (2021)
Sweden: 3 crowns
Although Latin countries have remained in Miss Universe for years, all continents have already had their own queens. Sweden has proudly represented Europe, achieving three crowns throughout the history of this prestigious beauty pageant.
They were the winners:
- Hillevi Rombin (1955)
- Margareta Ingrid Arvidsson (1966)
- Yvonne Agneta Ryding (1984) (E)
