India's Hyderabad, Telangana, crowned 72nd Miss World -

31/5/2025

In an unforgettable evening that brought the world together in celebration of beauty, social and environmental service, and global sisterhood, Hyderabad, Telangana, witnessed history as Opal Suchata from Thailand was crowned the 72nd Miss World at the glittering grand finale held at the HITEX Exhibition Centre. The moment marked the powerful conclusion of a month-long journey across Telangana, one that saw 108 contestants from around the world participate in immersive cultural experiences, philanthropic challenges, and purpose-driven initiatives. With Telangana hosting the 72nd Miss World Festival for the first time, and India for the 3rd time (after 1996 and 2024), the event transformed Hyderabad into a global stage of unity and elegance, showcasing the state’s warmth, rich heritage, and growing stature as a cultural and international hub. The grand finale was a spectacular culmination of dreams, diversity, and dedication, an evening that celebrated womanhood in its most empowering form.

In a dazzling ceremony, Opal Suchata from Thailand was crowned by Krystyna Pyszková from Czechia, the 71st Miss World, who gracefully passed on the title to her successor. The coronation moment was met with thunderous applause as the newly crowned 72nd Miss World 2025 stood radiant, embodying the values of compassion, confidence, and a strong sense of purpose.

The evening was a celebration of beauty beyond appearances; emphasizing intelligence, advocacy, and social impact. Co-hosted by Stephanie del Valle, Miss World 2016, and Indian television presenter Sachiin Kumbhar, the finale was infused with glamour and emotion. The crowd was mesmerized by energetic performances by Bollywood stars Jacqueline Fernandez and Ishaan Khatter, adding a lively Indian flair to the global event.

One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the Miss World Humanitarian Award to actor and humanitarian Sonu Sood, honoured for his unwavering commitment to humanitarian work. His efforts have touched millions across India and the world, making him a fitting recipient of this distinguished award. Philanthropist and entrepreneur Sudha Reddy, who earlier hosted the Beauty With a Purpose Gala Dinner, attended as a special guest and was name Global Ambassador for Beauty With a Purpose. The evening also saw the presence of Bollywood actress and Miss World 2017 Manushi Chhillar, who inspired many with her words and journey.

The competition began with the introduction of all 108 delegates, followed by the announcement of the Top 40 quarterfinalists – ten from each continental region: Africa, Americas & Caribbean, Europe, and Asia & Oceania. They were:

Americas & Caribbean:

Argentina – Guadalupe Alomar
Brazil – Jessica Pedroso
Dominican Republic – Mayra Delgado
Haiti – Christee Guirand
Jamaica – Tahje Bennett
Martinique – Aurélie Joachim
Panama – Karol Rodríguez
Puerto Rico – Valeria Pérez
Trinidad & Tobago – Anna-Lise Nanton
United States – Athenna Crosby

Africa:

Botswana – Anicia T Gaothusi
Cameroon – Princesse Issie
Ethiopia – Hasset Dereje
Namibia – Selma Kamanya
Nigeria – Joy Mojisola Raimi
Somalia – Zainab Jama
Tunisia – Lamis Redissi
Uganda – Natasha Nyonyozi
Zambia – Faith Bwalya
Zimbabwe – Courtney Tadiwanashe Jongwe

Europe:

Belgium – Karen Jansen
Estonia – Eliise Randmaa
Ireland – Jasmine Gerhardt
Italy – Chiara Esposito
Montenegro – Andrea Nikolić
Northern Ireland – Hannah Johns
Poland – Maja Klajda
Serbia – Aleksandra Rutović
Ukraine – Maria Melnychenko
Wales – Millie-Mae Adams

Asia & Oceania:

Australia – Jasmine Stringer
India – Nandini Gupta
Indonesia – Monica Kezia Sembiring
Lebanon – Nada Koussa
Malaysia – Saroop Roshi
New Zealand – Samantha Poole
Philippines – Krishnah Marie Gravidez
Thailand – Opal Suchata
Türkiye – Idil Bilgen
Vietnam – Huỳnh Trần Ý Nhi

Several contestants had already advanced by winning fast-track challenges such as Top Model, Sports Challenge, Talent, Multimedia, Head-to-Head, and Beauty With a Purpose. The remaining semifinalists were selected by the panel of judges after personal interviews, and their names were revealed during the live finale.

From these 40 quarterfinalists, the competition was narrowed down to a Top 20, then to the Top 8, followed by the announcement of the four continental winners. These exceptional women represented the very best of their respective regions and earned their place in the final round.

• Africa: Ethiopia – Hasset Dereje

• Americas & Caribbean: Martinique – Aurélie Joachim

• Europe: Poland – Maja Klajda

• Asia & Oceania: Thailand – Opal Suchata

The final four then faced the jury one last time, answering a thought-provoking question that tested their vision, eloquence, and values. Their responses played a key role in determining the ultimate winner.

Chairwoman of the Miss World Organization, Julia Morley CBE, who presided over the jury, praised the finalists for their depth, grace, and clarity of thought. Speaking after the crowning, she said: “Tonight, the world saw not just beauty, but brilliance, courage, and a call for change. (Name of Winner, country) has shown us that she is more than a winner – she is a woman of purpose, with a voice that the world is ready to hear.”

The 1st runner-up was Ethiopia, Hasset Dereje, the 2nd runner-up was Poland, Maja Klajda, while the 3rd runner-up was Martinique, Aurélie Joachim.

In her heartfelt first speech as 72nd Miss World 2025, Opal Suchata, Thailand expressed her gratitude and vision for the year ahead: “This moment is not just a personal victory, it is a shared dream of every young girl who wants to be seen, heard, and create change. I am honoured to represent this legacy and use my time as Miss World to make a real difference.”

The 72nd Miss World edition this year shone a spotlight on India’s rich cultural heritage and the gracious hospitality of Telangana. Over an inspiring four-week journey, the contestants immersed themselves in cultural exchanges, community outreach, and purpose-led leadership events – each experience reflecting the true spirit of ‘Beauty With a Purpose’ and its ability to inspire global change.

The grand finale was streamed live in India on SonyLIV and was broadcast in multiple countries, with global audiences tuning in via www.watchmissworld.com to witness the crowning moment in high definition.

With a powerful message of unity, purpose, and global sisterhood, the 72nd Miss World Festival in Telangana will be remembered as a truly historic edition that celebrated not just beauty – but the strength of women who uplift and inspire change across the world.