IN THIS TIER: Russia’s revenge, a Bulacaña Black Barbie, and a living, breathing work of art

#35- Axelle Rene (Martinique/World). This French overseas department joins sporadically nowadays, but this geologist won Miss World’s Top Model fast track and secured her island’s third ever placement. 

#34 – Valentina Alekseeva (Russia/Universe) – Look, it’s not like all ten Russians sent since 2012 were mediocre, and there are theories that could even explain 2020 and 2023’s respective shut-outs. But that’s all moot, now that doors have finally re-opened. If anything, this medical student proved that a teen can still go far, even with Miss Universe’s ceiling age lifted. 

#33 – Chelsea Manalo (Philippines/Universe). Ahtisa fans can finally rest easy, now that she’s given her due. But, in hindsight, the organization did make huge strides in sending this Bulaceña of African-American descent. It’s a refreshing shift, even if her Miss Universe Asia victory still raises questions, despite countless explanations on Khun Anne’s end. Point is, the gamble paid off. 

#32 – Jennifer Colon (Puerto Rico/Universe). The lifted restrictions may boggle still, but this 36-year-old mom of three (soon, four) had most to gain. Going from Miss World also-ran in 2009 to Miss Universe Top 12 placer was nothing short of inspiring. It’s proof that one can always reclaim a dream that was once denied. 

#31 – Sofia Cajo (Peru/International). She’s the only non-placer in this list, which only makes that Evening Gown award feel more like a consolation prize. She deserved so much more, and there’s this unshakeable feeling Miss International still owes her country a crown.

#30 – Nursena Say (Turkiye/World) – Well, it took Miss World long enough to once again place a Turk.  And regardless of how one prefers to call her country, this gorgeous architect ended the 22-year drought. It’s just unfortunate they couldn’t spare one more slot for either Europe or Asia in the Top 12, but at least they’re modifying that format this year. 

#29 – Maria Fernanda Beltran (Mexico/Universe). Not earning Miss Universe Americas despite placing highest in the region feels harsh (she’s not alone, though). But, then, there’s more than enough glory in parlaying her previous MGI non-placement to a 2nd Runner-Up finish in home turf. The fact she ended a three-year drought makes it even more special. 

#28 – Leticia Frota (Brazil/World). We all know Beauty with a Purpose is Miss World’s most valuable Fast Track ticket, so it was clear the country was destined for a rebound. And despite being edged by Trinidad and Tobago in the end, she was still awarded Miss World Americas. 

#27 – Camila Roca (Bolivia/International). Their 4th Runner-Up finish was already enough cause for celebration, but this commercial engineer broke that record anew  by finishing an impressive second. If this continues, their country might soon be 9thin South America to win at least one major crown. Your move, Uruguay. 

#26 – Talita Hartmann (Brazil/Grand International). Her spectacular art-themed National Costume made this figurative walking masterpiece a literal one and, for a moment there, a sandwich-themed victory really did seem within reach. Much as it wasn’t the case, 4th Runner-Up was still more than enough for the revitalized powerhouse – especially after spending a year out.     

#25 – Celinee Santos (Dominican Republic/Universe). If they did Survivor: Heroes VS Villains with the Class of 2024, you know which tribe she’d end up in (and probably along with Grand Myanmar). Yet, objectively speaking, it was virtually impossible to leave her out – despite unsavory reports that no longer need enumeration. Most of them were never fully confirmed, anyway. But then, maybe her omission from the Top 12 was the confirmation itself. Reputation holds just as much weight, apparently, which is a shame, as she had every bit of merit to reach the final juncture. 

#24 – Jenna Dykstra (USA/Supranational). The Stars and Stripes don’t always make the Supra-cut, but when they do, they go far. Take this physician associate from Florida who overtook strong veterans and placed 1st Runner-Up last year. She’s the second American to do so since Fil-Am Katrina Dimaranan in 2018.

#23 – Sini Shetty (India/World). Many thought she at least had Continental Queen of Asia in the bag, when Miss Worldstaged in India again after 28 years. Surprise: that honor went to the Middle East. Yet, her gracious reaction spoke volumes, and it wasn’t just because she looked relaxed. She beamed with so much satisfaction, knowing that bringing her country’s flag that far was already a win in itself. It takes a huge sense of dignity to surrender the spotlight to someone else, and pre-maturely at that. She nailed it. 

#22 – Jessica Gagen (England/World). It’s hard to believe it took this long to finally see an English redhead in Miss World. But what a momentous first. Not only was she a crown contender, she’s also an aerospace engineer. So, it’s hard not to learn anything from her when she speaks. And, again, if only the format saved one more slot for another European. She deserved to be among the last few standing. 

#21 – Isadora Murta (Brazil/Supranational). We can’t really trace who started the “double gown” trend, where a contestant comes out in a flow-y gown, only to reveal a more provocative one underneath. Well, this entrepreneur nailed it in the Supra-preliminaries, either way. She was the best in that round, bar none. And even if a back-to-back Top Five finish was the best they could afford, she didn’t end her run without dropping jaws.