In 1970, Jennifer Hosten from then-debuting Grenada, became the first black woman to win the title. What was supposedly a monumental victory was marred by protests by feminist groups. The controversy didn’t end there. In a dispute mirroring the recent Miss Universe result, four of nine judges came forward to reveal they’d voted for Sweden’s Maj Johansson, leading to insinuations that the result was rigged.

Such was the saga’s impact, it inspired the 2020 film Misbehaviour, with Keira Knightley as feminist Sally Alexander and Gugu Mbatha-Raw as the queen in question. Grenada would wait until 1996 to send its second entrant and 2007 to score its second placement, courtesy of Vivian Burkhardt. The island has shied away from the pageant scene since. Also currently inactive is the North Atlantic island of Bermuda, which gave us 1979’s winner, Gina Swainson. 

In addition to those “One Queen Wonders”, the contest produced 23 more winners from this continental division. Brazil (1971), Dominican Republic (1982), Trinidad and Tobago (1986), and Mexico (2018) also have one crown each. While Argentina (1960 and 1978), Peru (1967 and 2004), and Puerto Rico (1975 and 2016) each have two. 

Affirming this region’s stronghold, three of the most successful countries represent each sub-region. The United States leads North America with three (1973, 1990, and 2010). While Jamaica leads the Caribbean with four (1963, 1976, 1993, and 2019). Unsurprisingly, Venezuela leads both South America and the overall tally with six crowns spanning six decades (1955, 1981, 1984, 1991, 1995, and 2011). That, considering the country hasn’t been excelling as much here lately.

Come to think of it, the last two editions held in India did yield surprising results, with the usual suspects making room for the likes of Belize and Haiti. So, the question now is whether the dark horses will continue to prevail or if the powerhouses will re-establish dominion. 

Here’s this year’s Americas and Caribbean group.

++++++++++++++++++++

ARGENTINA – Alina Luz Akselrad. The two-time champ re-established footing in 2017 and scored a surprise Top 20 finish early last year. Logic dictates that this broadcaster should sustain that resurgence, given her Miss Universe 2020 placement. But much as she’s still a formidable bet, she’s only made a mark in Top Model.

BAHAMAS – Marechan Burrows. Before its post-pandemic hiatus, the islands made a splash with the Top 40-placing Sienna Evans. This journalist isn’t as highly-touted, but her Top Model and Head to Head placements might have given her edge.

BELIZE – Faith Noel Edgar. Elise-Gayonne Vernon scored a breakthrough two years ago, and a surprising one at that. But, it’s this future dentist who’s been serving face like no Belizean ever did here before. So far, her People’s Choice figures seem to agree. And with her project, Smiles for Belize, earning her a Beauty with a Purpose pass, a record placement might follow suit.

BOLIVIA – Vanessa Kralijevic. Following its 80s two-peat, the Heart of South America managed to place once for each succeeding decade. Hoping to score for the 2020s is half-Croatian law graduate, who passed muster in Top Model and Head to Head. Chances are, she’ll end the 12-year drought or, with luck, probably even reach a record high for her country.

BRAZIL – Gabriela Botelho. The country’s first and last win was in 1971, but it has only missed the cut thrice since 2006. This swimwear brand founder is poised to sustain that streak, with her Top Model placement and overall strong impression. Anything beyond that, however, could be a nail-biter. Even a Miss World Americas three-peat feels less sure.

CANADA – Angelina Fan. Canadians of East Asian descent have, in fact, done well here before, with 2009’s Top Five-placing Lena Ma beingthe most recent notable case. So far, revisiting that strategy on Asian soil is proving potent. This Cambridge graduate aced Top Model with her winning Designer Dress and currently leads the People’s Choice tally in her region.

CAYMAN ISLANDS – Kristianna Gordon. Her late grandmother once served as director of Miss Cayman Islands. But even without that background, she’s one of the stronger Caymanians recently seen in action and even placed in Top Model. Whether or not she’ll follow the footsteps of 1982’s Maureen Lewis, remains to be seen.

CHILE – Ignacia Fernandez. This stunner went viral for her heavy metal growl months prior. But, as far as this arena’s concerned, it’s her face card that deserves the hype. It’s fitting to see her qualities showcased in Talent and Top Model, respectively. And, frankly, much as other crown contenders are fast emerging, she’s every inch one herself. Given how the country’s only placed six times in his contest’s history, perhaps, it could use a record-breaker.

COLOMBIA – Andrea Romero. Sadly, the Runner-Up Curse still plagues this powerhouse here. Since 1981, the country’s had four second placers, including Carolina Arango 30 years ago. While victory will likely remain elusive, this future journalist might at least have a shot. She made the final round in Top Model.

CURAÇAO – Lishantely Jennie. The Dutch constituent country hasn’t really achieved much here, save for its 2002 quarter-final placement. This aspiring veterinarian qualified in Sports and Top Model, but isn’t expected to follow Ayenette Statia’s footsteps.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – Joheirry Mola. It’s been mostly an upswing for Hispaniola’s Latin half since Yaritza Reyes placed second 10 years ago. This educator now enhances that tally by winning Top Model in her region, and might even have a chance at Miss World Caribbean, if not become the second Dominican queen.

EL SALVADOR – Adriana Rivas. It took 42 years for this country to finally make the cut, thanks to 2017’s Fatima Cuellar. This biology graduate isn’t expected to follow that through, though she did make the cut in Sports.

FRENCH GUIANA – Audrey Ho-Wen-Tsai. This half-Chinese student was Eve Gilles’ 1st Runner-Up in Miss France but, turns out, her destiny is to herald her overseas department’s debut. Thus far, signs point towards an auspicious breakthrough, with her Top Model final placement, strong People’s Choice figures, and her environmental platform, Paypayo Media making the cut in Beauty with a Purpose.

GUADELOUPE – Annaëlle Ibo. The most successful Guadeloupeans here competed as France, including 2019’s 1st Runner-Up Ophely Mezino who eventually scored a Miss Universe breakthrough for this very island. This youth empowerment advocate isn’t foreseen to join those ranks, though her vocal act did place second in Talent. 

GUATEMALA – Jennifer Andrea Ortiz. 50 years since this Central American country debuted, it has yet to move past quarter-finals. This private pilot isn’t expected to take surpass those feats, but her Beauty with a Purpose project, Sources of Life, might have bolstered her chances.

GUYANA – Kelcia Nelson. It’s been 60 years since this tropical nation’s debut, which brought forth an incredible six-year placement streak. This digital creator isn’t expected to revive that heyday, but she’s rallying in People’s Choice.

HAITI – Marie Kemlyne Félix. Last year, Christee Guirand managed to break her country’s 50-year drought despite the lack of financial support. This businesswoman arrived in Vietnam more visibly prepared and with an edgier look. There’s a fair chance lightning could strike twice. Her short-listed Beauty with a Purpose project, Insire-toi d’Elles, surely earns her mileage.

JAMAICA – Nevaeh Allen. Obviously, the contest has a special affinity with this island and it’s also been 50 years since Cindy Breakspeare secured its second win. This aspiring hotelier seems to have the props to uphold that legacy – granted she overcomes the lack of buzz.

MARTINIQUE – Laurence Fibleuil. For two straight years, Top Model was this island’s lifeblood and, in last year’s case, the key to its best finish yet. Sadly, that streak ends with this financial auditor, though her Head to Head nod might still salvage her chances.

MEXICO – Cassandra Garcia. We don’t always see women of color representing 2018’s champ. That’s already distinction for this international relations professional, who qualified in Sports and is figuring well in People’s Choice.

NICARAGUA – Belen Caceres. It’s been 25 years since Ligia Arguello scored the country’s highest placement, though its last placer notably one-upped that feat by winning Miss Universe. Sure, this dentist is no Sheynnis Palacios, but she’s a head-turner in her own right.

PANAMA – Madeline Miller. Save for its two 5th Runners-Up, placements are rare for this country. With luck, though, this dusky business student might pull a similar surprise as her predecessor, given her striking presence and Sports nod.

PARAGUAY – Ayelen Perez. This country placed once in the 1980s, but it has scored two pairs of consecutive placements since 2010. Though not a frontrunner, this violinist advanced in Sports and, rightfully, Talent. Even her shortlisted Beauty with a Purpose project puts her music skills to good use.

PERU – Josiane Sciotti. It took 13 years for the country to regain its footing since its second win. So, even though this Top Model placer has the makings of a serious contender, it all still feels like a steep climb.

PUERTO RICO – Suil Anyelina Pagán. After the fallout from 2021’s beleaguered staging, it’s a relief to still see boricuas shine. And consider: the reigning Mr. World, Daniel Mejia is from the island. This arts student was the first early favorite to secure her spot, thanks to the Sports Fast Track. Her challenge now is to make it beyond that and, potentially, secure the Miss World Caribbean title. Or, who knows? Probably even more. After all, it’s the 10th anniversary of Stephanie del Valle’s win, and she’s also back as host.

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO – Georgia-Lee Gill. The islands have Tya Jane Ramey to thank for starting their current streak in 2019. Now this Head to Head winner just made said streak their longest ever. It’s a timely feat, as this year marks the 40th anniversary of Giselle Laronde’s win.

UNITED STATES – Mary Sickler. Whether or not we count 1973 as a dethronement, three Americans have still, in fact, won. And, another fun fact: Halle Barry graced this contest 40 years ago. This year marks history for the Stars and Stripes in a uniquely uplifting way. This alopecia warrior already made headlines in Miss USA 2025, and just when we thought she missed her chance here, the national winner decided to defer to next year. It’s glorifying seeing her earn her global shot, even if she missed those Top Model and Head to Head wins by very little. It would be just to see her grace the stage on Finals Night, wig or no wig.

VENEZUELA – Mística Nuñez. Ivian Sarcos solidified her country’s crown lead in 2011. But, sadly, succeeding placements – granted they did happen –  felt bare minimum. This medical student resembles Barbara Palacios Teyde and looked regal in the Top Model finals. It’s her shortlisted Beauty with a Purpose project, however, which might help restore tradition.

ALREADY IN: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, PUERTO RICO, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

TOP 4O-WORTHY: ARGENTINA, BELIZE, BOLIVIA, BRAZIL, CANADA, CHILE, COLOMBIA, FRENCH GUIANA, JAMAICA, PANAMA, UNITED STATES, VENEZUELA

DARK HORSES: BAHAMAS, CAYMAN ISLANDS, CURAÇAO, EL SALVADOR, GUADELOUPE, GUATEMALA, HAITI, MARTINIQUE, MEXICO, PARAGUAY, PERU

LONG SHOTS: GUYANA, NICARAGUA