IN THIS TIER: Odds-breakers from Africa’s best Miss World year, a Kiwi surprise, and drought-enders half-a-century overdue

#80 – Liza Gundowry (Mauritius/World). We should have underestimated her island nation’s status as Miss World’s tourism sponsor last year. But that’s just one of the factors that helped this Oxford student facilitator excel at great lengths – just like her Rapunzel tresses. She finished in the Top 12, much like her 2018 predecessor.

#79 – Hannah Tumukunde (Uganda/World). In what proved to be a landmark year for Africa in Miss World, this education advocate was her continent’s Beauty with a Purpose champ and went as far as almost equaling her country’s 2018 Top Five finish. 

#78- Samantha Keaton (US Virgin Islands/Grand International). Milwaukee isn’t exactly tropical, so let’s just assume the Mainlanders can just as easily wear that sash – in this franchise, at least. Whatever the case, she vindicated herself from her Miss USA 2021 non-placement and, more importantly, secured an MGI breakthrough for the USVI – regardless of what transpired after.

#77 – Nguyen Cao Ky Duyên (Vietnam/Universe). In its two years out of Miss Universe’s radar, this country established Miss Charm and Miss Cosmo. Time will tell how high they’ll soar but, while they’re at it, at least this influencer ended the MU drought.

#76 – Elena Rivera (Puerto Rico/World). It’s no secret that Miss World didn’t have the smoothest staging in her island in 2021-2022, so it’s comforting to see that not put against this contender. And besides, Stephanie del Valle was in attendance. Clearly, healing is already taking course. 

#75 – Petra Sivakova (Slovakia/Supranational and Universe). Her Supra-Model fast track win sealed her country’s Miss Supranational resurgence,which was high time since she does live “next door” to the host country. Too bad she couldn’t replicate that feat in Miss Universe.

#74 – Aleksandra Hannusaari (Finland/Supranational). This Dubai-based model made Top 12 in last year’s Miss Supranational, her country’s best placement there since 2010. There’s nothing like a Finnish scoring a record finish.  

#73 – Victoria Larsen (Denmark/Supranational). It was really quite the resurgence for Scandinavia last year. This influencer of Indian descent made a splash in Miss Supranational 2024’s pre-pageant online challenges and joined Finland in the Top 12. Turns out, that was only a prelude. It was to be her country’s best pageant year yet. We know why.

#72- Samantha Poole (New Zealand/International). She won Best National Costume because the judges liked her, simple as that. So much, in fact, that she bested the usual suspects in making the Top Eight. Here’s hoping she can mimic that trajectory as she competes in Miss World, which has commenced as we speak.

#71 –  Sophie Kirana (Indonesia/International). The archipelago missed the cut in Miss International’s first two post-pandemic editions, but it rallied back last year with this best finish since Kevin Lilliana’s 2017 victory. This economics graduate finished 4th Runner-Up. 

#70 – Sandra Lim (Malaysia/Universe). It was a moment 54 years in the making, which even the likes of Trincy Low and Deborah Henry didn’t manage to unlock. So, we can forgive this Selangor stunner for the awkward “hula hoop” moves she did in Preliminary Swimsuit. What matters now is that, after more than half a century, her country has once again earned more airtime.

#69 – Albertina Haimbala (Namibia/Earth). An islander may have edged her out as Africa’s highest ranking Earth warrior, but that doesn’t make her journey any less fruitful. It was an excellent run for this marketing graduate, even if she deserved more than Top 12.

#68 – Kedist Deltour (Belgium/World). She reportedly concealed her pregnancy while competing in India. Same way Iceland’s Unnur Steinsson concealed hers in 1983, and that child grew up to win Miss World 2005. So, does this mean we’ll eventually see her son in Mr. World 2046? That might be thinking too early. For now, this Ethiopian-born stunner can continue relishing her vindication from Miss Universe 2021.

#67 – Miyuki Cruz (Dominican Republic/International). Sending a half-Japanese to Tokyo was a brilliant move. And, while she didn’t end up with the crown, she at least sustained the Dominican placement streak for a third straight year. And, fun fact: the woman who started that streak is also in this list. 

#66 – Marianela Ancheta (Cuba/Universe). She doesn’t fully reside on the island, as with almost everyone who dons that sash. But, after 57 years of her country not competing, and 67 of not placing, this business woman ended both droughts.