An unprecedented twist occurred in the final rounds. After having announced the Final Five would still be pared down to a Final Three, the roster was kept intact for one more round of questions. Here’s a rundown of the eventual runners-up.

Ivorian Icon

The fact she was the first person followed by MU Coté d’Ivoire’s Instagram meant her return was already imminent – even if it was Marie-Emmanuelle Diamala who actually heralded the country’s comeback. 

Many believe Olivia Yacé should have won Miss World in 2022, even if her then-propensity for headdresses was believed to have “driven away” the crown. It was easier to concede then, as the eventual winner, Poland’s Karolina Biewlaska, did eventually win hearts. Either way, Olivia instantly made her French-speaking African country a household name. Three years later, she entered the Miss Universe race as an icon.

Yet, stellar past finish aside, her Bangkok stint wasn’t bound to be smooth. And it wasn’t because of the Miss World Runner-Up Curse, that’s long been broken. It was the perceived Latins vs. Homecourt showdown, which geared up to be her biggest hurdle, even if she was expected to slay, which she did.

Securing her country’s first placement was a no-brainer. The real challenge, as most knew, was claiming what once alluded her. As she took the mic for the final interviews, she didn’t just speak to impress. She spoke like a true monarch. At that point, even skeptics started swinging her way. Because even casual viewers can spot a great performance.

4th Runner-Up was an injustice, especially for someone who sounded most assured and qualified. And it’s hard to blame the vast majority who found that placement deliberate, like there was a motive behind ranking her last. Catriona Gray summed it up best: Does Q&A even still matter? Well, when someone else appears anointed, apparently, it doesn’t.  

So, much as the Miss Universe Africa and Oceania was undisputed, her refusal hardly felt shocking. More than turning down a consolation prize, it screamed of disillusionment, like she wanted to disassociate from the system fast. The fact Raul Rocha blamed her loss on her “weak passport” only sheds more light. And, yes, it was a pathetic, defensive alibi.

In putting her country on the map twice, her hero’s welcome in Abidjan was more than warranted. Some would even call it overdue. And as her recent Miss Cosmo 2025 judging stint strongly reaffirms: fans don’t need to see a crown to spot a Queen. 

The Best Ahtisa Yet 

Given everything Ahtisa Manalo endured beforehand, obstacles were the least of her worries.And there were reasons to believe in her prospects, even with other potential winners in her path and certain pages pegging her for Top 30 at best. 

It goes well beyond the unwavering support and poll domination. That element will always be there, as far as the Philippines is involved. Point is, her experiences shaped her and she never ceased putting on a show.  

True, replicating Cat’s Bangkok triumph was never a guarantee, but that was, indeed, “The Best Ahtisa Yet”. Every onstage appearance was an event in itself, from her winning Mak Tumang national costume to her billowy Val Taguba final  gown. 

Her heartfelt responses may not have earned the country’s fifth crown, but we now have the most 3rd Runners-Up. We can take that record, sure, plus the thrill of feeling that, in other years, that performance could have easily earned her more. 

Top Five Mainstay

She doesn’t exactly look like Carolina Izsak, the first Venezuelan to compete on Thai soil and lauded as one of the best non-winners from that country. But the aura was definitely there, when she stepped onstage for the opening ceremony and left fans spellbound by her classic beauty. For a moment there, Stephany Abasali seemed poised to tie up loose ends.

Of course, the competition naturally intensified and more favorites started to emerge. But even when overshadowed, she was always a clear-cut shoo-in. In a year a Latina was expected to prevail, there was no way she’d be shut out – even with Colombia seemingly seizing the momentum. 

Even with two Asian frontrunners joining her in the Top Five, she mesmerized the crowd with her soothing delivery. Like Coté d’Ivoire, she addressed the audience with the poise and confidence of a queen. It felt like Venezuela was about to re-solidify its stronghold. Sadly, the powers-that-be had other ideas. 

With her 2nd Runner-Up finish, she’s now tied with her near-namesake, Sthephany Gutierrez, as highest Venezuelan placer in a Thai staging. Moreover, the country secures its standing as the most historically consistent performer in said host country. In earning the Miss Universe Americas title, there’s a chance we’ll see more of her on official capacity. That depends, however, on how ownership matters will shake up. 

Veena’s Near-Vindication

Had she won in her first try, she already would have already competed on home turf. It only proves it’s been a long time coming for Praveenar “Veena” Singh, who even got married and divorced over the course of her seven-year journey. But, finally, after being bested by the likes of Sophida Kanchararin, Amanda Obdam, and Antonnia Porsild, the Indian-born beauty earned the Thailand sash – of all editions, as it turns out.  

Call her presentations safe if you wish, but there would always, understandably, be a spot for her. But with the tug-of-war between the Mexican owner and Thai hosting committee practically setting the overall tone of this troubled edition, she was caught in the crossfire.

With Venezuela, Philippines, and Cote d’Ivoire shockingly out of her way, it felt like a perfect culmination was in store. Yet, in a heartbreaking anticlimactic twist, she settled for 1st Runner-Up. It makes you wonder how she would have fared if Khun Anne was still completely in charge, but we know why she’s AWOL.

With the eventual winner’s status still in dispute, further suspicions are raised. Did she refuse the Miss Universe Asia title or was she denied, just like Opal? And why is she hypothetically turning down the crown, in the event of the titleholder’s dismissal? One can only surmise so much from these conditions. In the mean time, Thai fans wonder if they will ever earn the crown again.