“Subtle” is a word we don’t associate with Miss Grand International. Yet, despite the noise and drama, most notably, its recent entanglements with Miss Universe, the pageant’s becoming harder and harder to dismiss. Because, whether or not you enjoy – or even tolerate – its histrionics, one can no longer deny its entertainment value. While other tilts either adamantly stick to stale executions or, worse, devolve, Nawat Itsiragrisil can still put on a show. And judging from the recent maiden staging of MGI All Stars, it continuously aims to change the game.
India was originally slated to host this 14th edition – the last before the pageant marks its Crystal Year. Unfortunately, unmet conditions propelled the organization to revert to its home base of Bangkok, Thailand.
Given that last minute switch, it’s a wonder how they even managed to maintain this year’s timeline. Despite the changes, pageant activities still commenced last September 19.
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ALBANIA – Sara Shehu. This political science graduate has the pageant’s branding down to a tee, from catwalk to advocacy, but isn’t foreseen to score a breakthrough.
ARMENIA – Amest Arutiunian. This Eurasian country has been sending scene-stealers since 2019, from 2021’s Kristina Ayanian onstage shoe struggle to 2025’s Lilia Grzaryan almost actually making it in All Stars. This small-town girl sure rocks that pageboy bob. Even though she isn’t a frontrunner, she makes an upset feel conceivable.
AUSTRALIA – Cat Jane Shepherd. The Land Down Under enjoyed a respectable run since inheriting the crown in 2015, but has yet to pass muster in the 2020s. Thus far, a drought-ender isn’t assured, though three candidates did vouch for this entrepreneur as their pick to win.
BANGLADESH – Anonna Fatima. Five years since this country’s Grand debut and this model’s possibly its strongest yet. Too bad she’s no longer competing on neighboring soil, where she could have enjoyed more mileage. Here, she can at least be touted as a potential dark horse.
BELGIUM – Emily Baesen. Considering how her younger sister scored the Belgian Breakthrough last year, buzz is generally muted. Yes, she’s clearly of the same worthy calibre, but this year’s a different ball game. The same odds aren’t expected to be in place.
BOLIVIA – Kaithlyn da Rocha. The Heart of South America’s has yet to find its footing here. So, while this lawyer has the props and the credentials, other Latinas are at the forefront.
BRAZIL – Paula Assunção. Since the pageant’s inception, the Lusophone giant’s missed the cut only twice. Much as this entrepreneur’s pulling out all stops since Day One, there’s this inkling that her prospects are less than certain. Surviving the first cut might be more than enough.
CANADA – Patricia Rosalyn Seward. Save for Kathryn Kohut’s 2014 podium finish, it’s been largely a rough road for the Land of the Maple Leaf. This Jennifer Connelly clone’s a cut above the rest, but she’s barely hyped.
CHILE – Ignacia Michelson. Just like her unjustly ignored Miss World namesake, this content creator has an unusual talent. Sure, her DJ skills didn’t earn her a pass, but her Country’s Power of the Year finish might have raised her chances. Fast track or no fast track, she seems poised to still power through.
CHINA – Mengmeng Liu. The Mainland scored two placements within the pageant’s first five years, but has generally struggled since. This Suzhou native is a step back towards the right direction, but a resurgence is so far not foreseen.
COLOMBIA – Maria Paula Berrio. Last year, Laura Ramos catapulted to the Top Ten thanks to Fan Vote. This year, there’s no assurance that this law student would benefit from the same lifeline.
COSTA RICA – Catalina Murillo. This entrepreneur may not be the Central American frontrunner, though she did qualify for Grand Day Experience. Whether or not that translates into eventual placement remains to be seen.
CǑTE D’IVOIRE – Marlène Kouassi. We know who’s been single-handedly keeping this country on the map since 2021, but other Ivorians deserve as much mileage. Take this legal professional, for instance, who has striking presence with the Country’s Power of the Year standings to boot. Perhaps it’s high time for a breakthrough.
CUBA – Alyanni Gomez. In hindsight, maybe Lees Garcia‘s 2014 win was a fruitful gamble, seeing how the country’s now more visible than ever. Much has it hasn’t made a mark here since 2018, this pre-dental student makes a resurgence feel imminent.
CZECH REPUBLIC – Hana Dědková. Miss Earth fans were aghast when this business graduate was redirected here as replacement to original bet, Dominique Alagia. Then again, maybe it was a clever move, as it relieves her from the pressure of a back-to-back. Much as it doesn’t instantly guarantee her Czechia’s first golden crown, she can conceivably rally until the end. Right now, she’s easily the European to beat.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – Keitty Tatiana Familia. Despite being the first country to step down from the throne, it still manages to enjoy good fortunes. This model, though, isn’t touted as a serious contender, though Grand Talent might just help her keep the streak alive.
ECUADOR – Shyare Andrade. Comparisons to Liza Minelli aren’t exaggerated. Apart from being the lone short-haired Latina, her on-point over-the-top catwalk skills make her an instant standout. Factor in her Country’s Power of the Year standings, and a consecutive placement feels set in stone.
EGYPT – Menna El Batran. This software engineer is more competitive than the average Egyptian delegate, but hasn’t garnered enough buzz to ascertain a breakthrough.
EL SALVADOR – Valeria Amaya. This medical student amused her peers when she sang off-key in her Grand Talent audition. Outside of that fun moment, it’s an uphill climb for the pretty teen.
FRANCE – Axelle Varin. This cosmetologist brings elegance in spades, but isn’t unanimously pegged to sustain the streak.
