Hyderabad: Opal Suchata Chaungsri from Thailand won the 72nd edition of the Miss World 2025 at a grand finale held in Hyderabad on Saturday evening.
Last year’s winner, Miss World 2024 Krystyna Pyszkova from the Czech Republic crowned her successor Opal Suchata from Thailand at the finale of the pageant held at the Hitex Exhibition Center, Hyderabad, where the grand finale of the 72nd Miss World, ‘featuring 108 contestants from across the globe’, culminated.
The 1st runner-up was Ethiopia, Hasset Dereje while the 2nd runner-up was Poland, Maja Klajda and the 3rd runner-up was Martinique, Aurélie Joachim.
In her heartfelt first speech as 72nd Miss World 2025, Opal Suchata, 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”.
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.
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.
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 and 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 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 Miss World competition began in 1951 in the UK as a beauty pageant. It grew in popularity through the 20th century despite facing criticism, particularly from feminist groups.
Today, Miss World is one of the most recognised beauty contests, and the organisers stress Miss World is all about ‘promoting diverse representations of beauty and humanitarian causes’.
India has produced six Miss World winners, from Reita Faria in 1966 to Aishwarya Rai (1994). Manushi Chhillar (2017) was the last Indian to have won the Miss World title.
Before her, in 1997, Diana Hayden was crowned Miss World, followed by Yukta Mookhey (1999) and Priyanka Chopra in 2000.
