Victoria Kjær Theilvig. Hector Vivas/Getty Images
Victoria Kjaer Theilvig of Denmark has taken the title of Miss Universe 2024.
Kjaer, 21, was the first Danish contestant to take home the tiara at the 73rd Miss Universe final on Saturday, November 16, in Mexico City, presented by Mario Lopez and former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo, per the Associated Press. The pageant was held in the Mexico City Arena. Kjaer was crowned by her predecessor Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua, who took home the title in 2023.
In the final round of the competition on Saturday, Kjaer was asked about the most essential quality Miss Universe should possess.
“A Miss Universe must be a symbol of empathy and action,” she replied. “She must listen to the world’s challenges and use her platform to create tangible change. This means advocating for the voiceless, whether they are animals or people who need a champion.”
Savannah Gankiewicz is officially the new Miss USA. Gankiewicz, 28, was crowned in a ceremony on Wednesday, May 15, at Hawaii’s Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach. She replaces her predecessor, Noelia Voigt, who gave up her crown earlier this month to focus on her mental health. Gankiewicz, a model and nonprofit leader from Maui, will serve […]
Kjaer is a self-described animal protection advocate, entrepreneur and former competitive dancer. She beat out 120 other contestants in the 2024 competition, including Miss Nigeria Chidimma Adetshina, who placed second, and Miss Mexico Maria Fernanda Beltran Figueroa, who placed third.
“First sunrise as Miss Universe 🌅👑,” Kjaer wrote via Instagram on Sunday, November 17, alongside a carousel of photos wearing her Miss Universe tiara, sash and a bathrobe as she posed in her hotel room. “Waking up with gratitude, dreams, and a crown—ready to embrace this incredible journey.”
Here’s five things to know about 2024’s Miss Universe:
She Is the First Danish Miss Universe
Born in Søborg, Denmark, Kjaer grew up in Copenhagen and is the first Danish contestant in the 73-year-history of Miss Universe to take home the crown. Prior to her Miss Universe win, she was crowned Miss Universe Denmark in September 2024.
Kjaer Is the First Blond Miss Universe in 20 Years
Jennifer Hawkins of Australia was the last contestant with blond hair to win Miss Universe in 2004, the same year Kjaer was born.
She Is an Animal Rights Advocate
Kjaer is a self-described animal rights and welfare advocate. In October 2024, after she was crowned Miss Universe Denmark, Kjaer visited a Danish animal protection organization to raise awareness for neglected animals.
“Every small action counts – whether it’s volunteering, spreading awareness, or simply showing kindness to animals,” she wrote via Instagram at the time, alongside a video of her visit to the shelter. “Together, through our shared efforts, we can build a more sustainable and equitable world.”
She Is a Professional Dancer
Before she started her journey to Miss Universe, Kjaer was a professional dancer and dance teacher. “Dance has always been my escape, my way to express myself and connect with others,” she told Preview in a post-pageant interview.
She Runs Her Own Jewelry Business
Kjaer has a bachelor’s degree in business and marketing and currently works in the jewelry industry, specializing in diamond sales. However, the young entrepreneur started her own eyelash extension company at only 16.
“I love to connect with my customers, I love to make them feel at home,” she shared in an interview with Dyan Castillejo posted via Instagram. “If there’s something in their heart they want to share, I’m always there to listen and for me that’s such a wholesome experience while being creative.”
