In a few hours, the 71st Miss World will finally be crowned at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, India. After three weeks of public appearances and pocket competitions, where early favorites faded and new ones emerged, here’s my final wishlist.
TOP 40 PICKS. Australia, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, France, Ireland, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Martinique, Namibia, Northern Ireland, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Puerto Rico, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukraine, United States, Wales, Zimbabwe.
Naturally, the Fast Track performers would be easy shoo-ins, like Sports winner Croatia, who finally earns a placement for her country this decade, and Talent winner Tunisia, making history as only one of two (well, hopefully, three) Arabs to advance. The Head-to-Head and BWAP qualifiers should be up there as well, given the contest’s penchant for advocacies. That includes last minute faves from Tanzania, Uganda, and Ukraine, stunning Spain, and ASEAN stalwarts, Thailand and the Philippines. Don’t discount Malaysia either; Miss World‘s usually its turf.
Slovakia was a revelation for edging out her neighbor in Top Model. So was that challenge’s overall winner from Martinique, a Miss France alumna. It’s still hard to deny pre-pageant favorite Colombia, who continues to shine despite her lack of Fast Track placements. Same goes for Namibia, who only placed in Sports, and Poland, who still aims for a back-to-back. The UK and Emerald Isle contingent are also figuring strong, with Wales‘s tenacity, Ireland‘s wit, and Northern Ireland‘s versatility. One of them might even steal a Top 12 spot. And, finally, we have two highly-touted veterans from Miss Universe 2021. There’s Belgium, who is likely due vindication, and France, a who may have lost steam, but deserves to be up there just the same.
TOP 12. Lebanon, Nepal, Turkey, Vietnam
Much as most of the heavy favorites come from Europe, it’s the Asians who are still foreseen to dominate due to certain factors. For starters, Vietnam‘s already in, thanks to her Multimedia Fast Track win. Should Fan Vote enter the picture once again, she’s poised to catapult to this round. Lebanon moved many in her Head to Head Challenge. With her sincerity, they’d certainly want to hear from her more. There’s also no denying Nepal‘s momentum at this point, especially now that it’s competing next door. And, finally, we have Turkey, who’s poised to put her country back in the running since Azra Akin‘s victory. If not for the continental format, she even deserves to go further.
TOP 8. Brazil, England, Indonesia, Nigeria
Months ago, it would have been easier to put Cote d’Ivoire in this tier. But with no Fast Track placement to her credit, advancing might be enough. In her stead would be Head to Head winner Nigeria, quite possibly Africa‘s next in line, but not if the southerners can help it. From continental America, we have Brazil, who aced both Head to Head and Beauty with a Purpose, and Indonesia, whose stronghold cannot be denied at this point. She could even steal the Asian slot from the hometown girl. Finally, we have ravishing redhead England, who, if not for the one-finalist-per-continent format, could even easily land Top Two. That’s just how the game goes sometimes.
TOP 4. India, Trinidad and Tobago.
For obvious reasons, there’s this inkling that they will keep India in the running for as long as they can – just like Rani Jeyraj in 1996‘s Bangalore edition. It shouldn’t be too far-fetched, but Asia’s Continental Queen should be enough. Then there’s Trinidad and Tobago, the likeliest to rule America and the Twin Islands’ best in more than a decade. She has the looks, credentials, and track record to go far – probably even pull a major upset.
RUNNER-UP PICK. Botswana.
In a rather competitive year for Africa, Breathtaking Botswana should be the runaway pick. Since appearing in Head-to-Head, they didn’t hesitate to place her first chance they got. Yet, she still managed to qualify for Sports, Talent, and Top Model, where she was Africa’s highest placer. Toss in her BWAP placement, and she’s now a heavy crown contender. Even if she wasn’t a pre-pageant favorite, a victory shouldn’t completely surprise.
PICK FOR 71ST MISS WORLD. Czech Republic.
This website still recognizes this roster as Batch 2023. If that’s the case, then this student’s competing in a momentous year. There’s a reason she never stopped topping lists – that, considering the last minute shake-ups and Fast Track twists, where many surprise contenders emerged. Her sparkle never dimmed and it likely linger, or even intensify, come finals night. With her country marking 30 years of independence last year, a second victory should be timely and apt.
Planet Chuckie 