IN THIS TIER: An “AUS“-picious return , a First Nations milestone, and an African breaking records for the third straight year

#65 – Kristen Wright (Australia/World). After one edition of not seeing action, and four years, if you count the gaps, the Land Down Under celebrated its Miss World comeback with a Top 12 finish. This ocean lover then subsequently nabbed the Continental Queen of Oceania title and is now her country’s National Director. 

#64 – Lucìa Arellano (Peru/World). Being a volleyball player meant Miss World’s Sports Fast Track was hers to conquer. And while she was still edged out, she nonetheless secured her country’s second placement since Maju Mantilla’s win, which happened to mark its 20th anniversary that year. 

#63 – Kasama Suetrong (Thailand/Supranational). The Top Two finishers of Miss Universe Thailand 2021 didn’t have much luck in their respective global bids, but their 3rd Runner-Up did. With her Miss Supranational 2024 Top 12 finish, this Surat Thani native effectively vindicated her batch.

#62 – Maria Victoria Bayo (Dominican Republic/World). Again, we’re reminded that multiple Fast Track nods don’t always determine one’s Miss World finish. This aspiring pilot soared into the Top 12 despite only briefly figuring in the Top Model challenge. Compare that to, say, non-placing Philippines, who was short-listed in nearly all.

#61 – Ekaterina Romanova (Russia/Earth). The country’s global image may have seen better days, but it never left Miss Earth’s radar. And thanks to this Top Eight placer, they’ve now overtaken Poland as the pageant’s best performing European country with no crown.

#60- Bianca Caraballo (Puerto Rico/Earth). Since Nellys Pimentel won in 2019, Miss Earth the Isle of Enchantment only missed the cut in 2021.This biology one-upped her predecessor’s already-impressive finish by making the Top Eight. 

#59 – Rhea Singha (India/Universe). As the first titleholder from the new national franchise, she continued the placement streak with ease – not too shabby for the first teen to represent her country in over 20 years. And, honestly, if their 90s trajectory were to be followed, they might just win again in two years’ time.

#58- Nova Liana (Indonesia/Grand International). It’s not like she needed that Fan Vote win to earn a lifeline since she advanced comfortably that night. With her Top 10 finish, she continued her country’s impressive MGI streak as it should, being that pageant’s first ASEAN champ.

#57 – Tamara Aznar (Dominican Republic/Earth). With merely two prior placements, the country didn’t always enjoy much hype in Miss Earth. Now, enter Latin America’s answer to Jamie Herrell, who rightfully kept hopes up for DR’s best showing since 2005. While she eventually stalled in Top Eight, may it usher in better momentum ahead.

#56 – Andrea Saenz (Mexico/Supranational). This multi-hyphenate may not have replicated her Miss United Continents 2018 success in Małopowska, but she was awarded Miss Supranational-Americas, the only continental awardee outside the Top 12.

#55 – Ashley Callingbull (Canada/Universe). Multiculturalism may be one of The Land of the Maple Leaf’s trademarks, but the last Miss Universe had them tapping their roots with their first Indigenous First Nations representative. The risk obviously paid off, and the fact that she’s a married 35-year-old made that milestone even more precious. 

#54 – Magali Benejam (Argentina/Universe). Oh, how the mighty fall sometimes. Despite securing her country’s best placement since 2014, this model from Cordoba was stripped of her national title after “spilling tea” about the recent contest. It’s unfortunate, but at least her Top 12-placing performance can still be YouTubed.  

#53 – Juliana Barrientos (Bolivia/Universe). Rumor has it that, with the 3rd Runner-Up “dethroned” by the organization, she’s the one eyed to take over those duties. What duties, though? All we’ve been seeing are the Continental Queens. Anyway, even if that doesn’t transpire, this stunner already pulled an incredible feat. She’s only the fourth Bolivian placer in the contest’s history. 

#52 – Indira Ampiot (France/Universe). The 2023 national titleholder from Guadeloupe deferred competing within her reign, only to witness her island return as a separate nation. Luckily, she made the most out of the curious circumstances. Not only did she outrank her Caribbean compatriot, she also put Metropolitan France back in the running after two years.

#51 – Sakhile Dube (Zimbabwe/Universe). For three straight years, this fashion designer set records, from breaking Miss Earth 2022’s Top Eight to winning Miss Supranational-Africa 2023, and now, scoring her country’s first Miss Universe placement since the turn of the millennium. It’s the perfect culmination to her pageant journey. Or is it, even? We wouldn’t put it past her if she tries again elsewhere.