Miss World is one of the most prestigious and oldest international beauty pageants in the world. This competition values not only beauty but also talent, intelligence, and social service. It was founded in 1951 in the United Kingdom and has since become a global platform symbolizing women’s personality and social contribution.
History of Miss World
- Beginning (1951): The Miss World pageant was initiated in 1951 by Eric Morley as part of Britain’s “Festival of Britain”. Originally organized as a “Bikini Contest,” the media dubbed it “Miss World.” The first winner, Kiki Håkansson from Sweden, was crowned in a bikini, which sparked religious controversy. Later, bikinis were removed and more modest attire became mandatory.
- Expansion and Popularity: In 1959, the BBC began broadcasting the event. During the 1960s and 70s, it became one of the most popular TV shows in Britain. In 1970, women’s rights activists protested the contest, and South Africa’s racially discriminatory participation led to major controversies.
- Change and Purpose: In the 1980s, the pageant adopted the slogan “Beauty With a Purpose”, focusing on social work, intelligence, and personality in addition to beauty.
- Changes in Broadcasting: In 1984, BBC discontinued its broadcast of the pageant. It was later aired on channels like Sky One and Channel 5. Though popularity slightly declined, the event continued.
- New Era (21st Century): In 2001, Agbani Darego from Nigeria became the first black African Miss World. The 2002 edition held in Nigeria was controversial due to the Sharia law sentencing of Amina Lawal. Miss World used this situation to raise global awareness.
- Present Day: Today, Miss World promotes not just beauty, but also social service, women empowerment, and cultural inclusivity. It is now chaired by Julia Morley, wife of founder Eric Morley.
Miss World 2025
Miss World 2025 was grandly organized on 31st May 2025 at the HITEX Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad, India. This was the third time India hosted this prestigious beauty pageant. This year, participants from 108 countries took part in the competition.
Suchata Chuangsri from Thailand made history by winning the title, becoming the first Miss World from Thailand. She was crowned by the previous winner, Krystyna Pyszkova from the Czech Republic. The event was hosted by Stephanie Del Valle (Miss World 2016) and Sachin Kumbhar, while Bollywood stars Jacqueline Fernandez and Ishaan Khatter gave vibrant cultural performances. Representing India, Nandini Gupta (Femina Miss India World 2023) secured a place in the Top 20. The event served as a platform not only for celebrating beauty but also for promoting social service, cultural diversity, and women’s empowerment.
- Key Points
- Event Date: 31 May 2025
- Venue: HITEX Exhibition Centre, Hyderabad, India
- Participating Countries: 108
- Winner: Suchata Chuangsri (Thailand)
- Hosts: Stephanie Del Valle and Sachin Kumbhar
- Cultural Performances: Jacqueline Fernandez and Ishaan Khatter
- India’s Representative: Nandini Gupta (Ranked in Top 20)
Aim and Values
The primary goal of Miss World is not just beauty but to identify and empower women contributing to humanity, education, health, and women’s empowerment. Winners get the opportunity to lead and be part of various global charity projects.
Structure of the Competition
Miss World is not just a finale show; it consists of several stages:
- Head-to-Head Challenge
- Talent Round
- Sports and Fitness Challenge
- Top Model Round
- Multimedia Challenge
- Beauty With a Purpose Presentation (most important)
The winner is selected based on performances across these rounds.
List of Miss World Winners (1951–2023)
| S. No | Year | Winner Name | Country |
| 1 | 1951 | Kiki Håkansson | Sweden |
| 2 | 1952 | May-Louise Flodin | Sweden |
| 3 | 1953 | Denise Perrier | France |
| 4 | 1954 | Antigone Costanda | Egypt |
| 5 | 1955 | Susana Duijm | Venezuela |
| 6 | 1956 | Petra Schürmann | Germany |
| 7 | 1957 | Marita Lindahl | Finland |
| 8 | 1958 | Penelope Coelen | South Africa |
| 9 | 1959 | Corine Rottschäfer | Netherlands |
| 10 | 1960 | Norma Cappagli | Argentina |
| 11 | 1962 | Catharina Lodders | Netherlands |
| 12 | 1964 | Ann Sidney | United Kingdom |
| 13 | 1966 | Reita Faria | India |
| 14 | 1967 | Madeline Hartog-Bel | Peru |
| 15 | 1968 | Penelope Plummer | Australia |
| 16 | 1969 | Eva Rueber-Staier | Austria |
| 17 | 1970 | Jennifer Hosten | Grenada |
| 18 | 1977 | Mary Stävin | Sweden |
| 19 | 1978 | Silvana Suárez | Argentina |
| 20 | 1982 | Mariasela Álvarez | Dominican Republic |
| 21 | 1990 | Gina Tolleson | USA |
| 22 | 1993 | Lisa Hanna | Jamaica |
| 23 | 1994 | Aishwarya Rai | India |
| 24 | 1995 | Jacqueline Aguilera | Venezuela |
| 25 | 1997 | Diana Hayden | India |
| 26 | 1998 | Linor Abargil | Israel |
| 27 | 1999 | Yukta Mookhey | India |
| 28 | 2000 | Priyanka Chopra | India |
| 29 | 2001 | Agbani Darego | Nigeria |
| 30 | 2002 | Azra Akın | Turkey |
| 31 | 2003 | Rosanna Davison | Ireland |
| 32 | 2004 | María Julia Mantilla | Peru |
| 33 | 2006 | Taťána Kuchařová | Czech Republic |
| 34 | 2007 | Zhang Zilin | China |
| 35 | 2008 | Ksenia Sukhinova | Russia |
| 36 | 2009 | Kaiane Aldorino | Gibraltar |
| 37 | 2010 | Alexandria Mills | USA |
| 38 | 2011 | Ivian Sarcos | Venezuela |
| 39 | 2012 | Yu Wenxia | China |
| 40 | 2013 | Megan Young | Philippines |
| 41 | 2014 | Rolene Strauss | South Africa |
| 42 | 2015 | Mireia Lalaguna | Spain |
| 43 | 2016 | Stephanie Del Valle | Puerto Rico |
| 44 | 2017 | Manushi Chhillar | India |
| 45 | 2018 | Vanessa Ponce | Mexico |
| 46 | 2019 | Toni-Ann Singh | Jamaica |
| 47 | 2021 | Karolina Bielawska | Poland |
| 48 | 2023 | Krystyna Pyszkova | Czech Republic |
| 49 | 2025 | Suchata Chuangsri | Thailand |
Miss World Winners from India
India has won the Miss World title 6 times:
- Reita Faria (1966) – First Indian and Asian to win
- Aishwarya Rai (1994)
- Diana Hayden (1997)
- Yukta Mookhey (1999)
- Priyanka Chopra (2000)
- Manushi Chhillar (2017)
These winners brought pride to India through achievements in social service, cinema, and on global platforms.
Miss World 2024 in India
After 28 years, Miss World 2024 was hosted in India:
- Venue: Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai
- Dates: 18 February to 9 March 2024
- Representative: Sini Shetty (Femina Miss India 2022)
This event gave India another opportunity to showcase itself on the global stage.
Miss World vs Miss Universe
| Feature | Miss World | Miss Universe |
| Founded | 1951 | 1952 |
| Headquarters | London, UK | New York, USA |
| Main Objective | Social service, Beauty with a Purpose | Women Empowerment, Global Leadership |
| Main Organizer | Julia Morley | Miss Universe Organization |
“Beauty with a Purpose”
Started in 1972, this initiative aims to give the beauty pageant social relevance. Under it, winners and participants engage in:
- Children’s education
- Rural healthcare
- Women’s welfare
- Natural disaster relief
Conclusion
Miss World is not just a beauty contest but a global movement that provides a platform to women and inspires them to contribute to society. Today, it stands as a symbol of women empowerment, humanity, and global social responsibility.
Also Read:
- International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
- Summary of Women Empowerment Policy in India: Overview
