Czech Republic’s Krystyna Pyszková crowned Miss World 2024; highlights inside

The 71st Miss World pageant made a spectacular return to India after nearly 28 years, with the grand finale held at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, hosted by Karan Johar. Under the theme “Beauty with a Purpose,” 112 participants from across the globe competed for the prestigious title.

Krystyna Pyszková from the Czech Republic stood out among 111 contestants, winning the Miss World title after months of intensive preparation and showcasing her talents internationally. Her dedication and hard work paid off as she won over the judges and audience, becoming an inspiration for future participants. She was crowned by the previous year’s Miss World, Karolina Bielawska from Poland, in an emotional ceremony.

Yasmin Azaytoun from Lebanon was named the first runner-up.

Event Highlights:

– Axelle René from Martinique made it to the Top 40 as a quarter-finalist after winning the Top Model Competition.
– Lucia Begic from Croatia was victorious in the Sports challenge.
– Leticia Frota from Brazil received the Beauty with Purpose award for her work as an ambassador for Hansen’s Disease and her volunteer efforts in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and the Amazon.
– Huynh Phuong from Vietnam won the Multimedia Award.
– The top 40 finalists included representatives from Brazil, Uganda, Ukraine, Nepal, Martinique, Croatia, Vietnam, Botswana, Nigeria, Tunisia, Zimbabwe, England, Lebanon, Belize, Canada, Dominican Republic, Peru, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, Cameroon, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Gibraltar, Italy, Spain, Wales, Australia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, and Turkey.
– The top 12 included Brazil, Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, Botswana, Mauritius, Uganda, Czech Republic, England, Spain, Australia, India, and Lebanon.
– The top 8 featured Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, Botswana, Uganda, Czech Republic, England, India, and Lebanon.
– Neeta Mukesh Ambani received the Humanitarian Award for her social work.
– The top 4 finalists were Aché Abrahams (Trinidad and Tobago), Lesego Chombo (Botswana), Krystyna Pyszková (Czech Republic), and Yasmin Azaytoun (Lebanon), with India’s Sini Shetty not advancing to this round.

Miss World Pageant Background:

Originating from a bikini contest in 1951 during the Festival of Britain, the event was initially named the Festival Bikini Contest. Gaining attention from the British press, it was rebranded as “Miss World.” The first Miss World, Kerstin “Kiki” Hakansson from Sweden, was crowned that year.

Despite initial controversies, the Miss World pageant gained popularity, becoming a globally televised event by the BBC from 1959. As one of the Big Four international beauty pageants, it has focused on philanthropy, raising over a billion dollars for children’s charities and promoting empowerment through its global platform.