Miss Universe 2023: Model From Nicaragua Wins For First Time

Sheynnis Palacios from Nicaragua was crowned Miss Universe 2023 on Sunday in San Salvador, El Salvador, becoming the first Nicaraguan to win the Miss Universe competition.

Ninety women from around the world competed for the title. The winner was chosen based on several criteria, including personal statements, in-depth interviews, evening gowns and swimwear.

Palacios, a 23-year-old communications graduate and television host, represented the Nicaraguan city of Diriamba in the national competition and beat nine other contestants to win the crown and represent her country at the 72nd Miss Universe competition.

The Nicaraguan beat 83 other contestants on the final night of the beauty contest. Thailand's Anntonia Porsild, Miss Supranational 2019, was named first runner-up, while Australia's Moraya Wilson was named second runner-up.

Take a look at Sputnik Africa's gallery of the final night of Miss Universe 2023!

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Contestants for Miss Universe 2023 pose on stage during the 72th edition of the Miss Universe pageant, in San Salvador on November 18, 2023.

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Miss Nicaragua Sheynnis Palacios reacts after being crowned Miss Universe at the 72nd Miss Universe Beauty Pageant in San Salvador, El Salvador, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023.

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Miss Nicaragua Sheynnis Palacios participates in the evening gown category during the 72nd Miss Universe Beauty Pageant in San Salvador, El Salvador, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023.

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Miss Thailand Anntonia Porsild, from left, Miss Australia Moraya Wilson and Miss Nicaragua Sheynnis Palacios, react after being named the final three contestants during the 72nd Miss Universe pageant, in San Salvador, El Salvador, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023

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Contestants stand on stage during the 72th edition of the Miss Universe pageant, in San Salvador on November 18, 2023.

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Miss Colombia, Camila Avella, along with Miss Guatemala, Michelle Cohn (off frame), was the first married women and mother to enter the competition during the 72th edition of the Miss Universe pageant, in San Salvador on November 18, 2023.

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Miss Portugal, Marina Machete, the first of two trans women representing their countries in the competition, walks on stage during the 72th edition of the Miss Universe pageant, in San Salvador on November 18, 2023.

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Miss Universe 2022, R'Bonney Gabriel of US, takes a bow on stage during the 72th edition of the Miss Universe pageant, in San Salvador on November 18, 2023.

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Miss Universe Nicaragua, Sheynnis Palacios (R) and Miss Thailand, Antonia Porsild (L) await the announcement of the winner of Miss Universe 2023 on stage at the 72nd Miss Universe pageant in San Salvador on November 18, 2023.

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Musician John Legend performs during the 72nd Miss Universe Beauty Pageant in San Salvador, El Salvador, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023.

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Contestants stand on stage during the 72th edition of the Miss Universe pageant, in San Salvador on November 18, 2023.

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Contestants gather around the newly crowned Miss Universe 2023, Sheynnis Palacios from Nicaragua, after she won the 72th edition of the Miss Universe pageant, in San Salvador on November 18, 2023.