Nigeria’s Chidimma Adetshina made history by finishing as the first runner-up at the 73rd Miss Universe Competition in Mexico on November 16. The fierce finale saw Adetshina go head-to-head with Denmark’s Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, who clinched the crown.

Described as one of the most captivating Miss Universe competitions in recent years, the event showcased the intelligence, talents, and elegance of women from across the globe. The organizers posted on Instagram, “The final two! Nigeria and Denmark, two incredible women, one unforgettable moment.”

Adetshina’s journey to the top was marked by her poise, intelligence, and grace, which earned her admiration from both the judges and audiences. Her achievement is the highest placement ever for a Nigerian contestant in the history of the pageant.

Theilvig triumphed over 124 contestants to become Miss Universe 2024, succeeding Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua. Theilvig’s prize includes a yearlong global tour across 30 countries, a year’s supply of cosmetics and jewelry, and for the first time in the pageant’s history, she will host a travel show.

Adetshina’s accomplishment is especially significant, as she previously made headlines by winning Miss Universe Nigeria after being rejected by South Africa. Her resilience and remarkable performance have cemented her as a trailblazer for Nigerian representatives on the global stage.

This year’s competition embraced inclusivity, featuring 18 mothers among the contestants, as well as debut participants from Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Moldova, and Somalia. The competition, which started with a record 125 entrants, saw contestants compete in swimsuits, evening gowns, and Q&A rounds before the final five emerged.

In the final standings, Mexico, Thailand, and Venezuela secured the third, fourth, and fifth positions, respectively. With her historic finish, Adetshina has set a new benchmark for Nigeria in the world of beauty pageants.