The Miss Universe pageant is one of the most prestigious beauty competitions in the world, and over the years, several countries have produced multiple titleholders, earning international acclaim and national pride.
Here’s a look at the countries with the most Miss Universe crowns, each representing beauty, culture, and pride on the world stage.
UNITED STATES – 9 WINNERS
The United States holds the record with an impressive nine Miss Universe titles.
This journey of success began in 1954 with Miriam Stevenson, and through the decades, American winners have continually shone on the global stage.
The country’s winning streak continued with Carol Morris in 1956, Linda Bement in 1960, and Sylvia Hitchcock in 1967, each contributing to the legacy.
Later, iconic winners like Shawn Weatherly in 1980, Chelsi Smith in 1995, and Brook Lee in 1997 added to the nation’s count, with Olivia Culpo and R’Bonney Gabriel more recently in 2012 and 2022, respectively.
ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓
The United States’ legacy in the pageant remains unmatched, with each victory cementing its status as a powerhouse in beauty and poise.
Photo/s: Photos courtesy of Beauty Of World / Miss USA / Pageantry News International / Missosology / Miss Universe
Read more about
miss universe winners
VENEZUELA – 7 WINNERS
Known for its rigorous beauty pageant training and fervent fan base, Venezuela has clinched the Miss Universe crown seven times.
ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓
The country’s first win was with Maritza Sayalero in 1979, and over the following decades, Venezuela has maintained a consistent presence in the competition.
Notably, in 2008 and 2009, Dayana Mendoza and Stefanía Fernández brought Venezuela back-to-back victories, a rare achievement in the pageant world.
Gabriela Isler’s win in 2013 secured Venezuela’s seventh Miss Universe crown, underscoring the country’s strong foothold in the pageant.
Other Venezuelan Miss Universe queens include Irene Saez (1981), Barbara Palacios (1986), and Alicia Machado (1996).
Photo/s: Photos courtesy of Miss Philippines Beyond Essence / Missosology / Miss Universe / Pinterest / @hellomoto_315 on Instagram
CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓
#Eleksyon2025Partnership contract signing | PEP
PUERTO RICO – 5 WINNERS
The first Puerto Rican to win was Marisol Malaret in 1970, and since then, Puerto Rico has continued to produce strong contenders.
Subsequent winners like Deborah Carthy-Deu in 1985, Denise Quiñones in 2001, and Zuleyka Rivera in 2006 have showcased Puerto Rico’s dedication to the competition.
But the most popular Puerto Rican Miss Universe among Pinoys is Dayanara Torres (1994), who even lived in the country for five years and became an actress.
Photo/s: Photos courtesy of Critical Beauty / Trendencias / Pinteres
ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓
PHILIPPINES – 4 WINNERS
The Philippines’ journey in Miss Universe began in 1969 with Gloria Diaz’s historic win.
Margarita Moran followed in 1973, securing the country’s early foothold in the pageant.
After a long gap, the Philippines saw a resurgence in the 2010s with Pia Wurtzbach in 2015 and Catriona Gray in 2018, both of whom are celebrated for their beauty and advocacy.
With four crowns, the Philippines continues to be a formidable competitor in Miss Universe.
Photo/s: Photos courtesy of Ilocano Pride / Miss Philippines Beyond Essence / Missosology / Miss Universe
ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓
INDIA, MEXICO, SOUTH AFRICA, AND SWEDEN
India has made its mark in Miss Universe history with three remarkable victories, beginning with Sushmita Sen’s iconic win in 1994 here in Manila.
Lara Dutta followed in 2000, while Harnaaz Sandhu’s win in 2021 solidified India’s place as a powerhouse in global pageantry.
Mexico, too, boasts three Miss Universe titles. Lupita Jones took the first crown in 1991. Ximena Navarrete’s win in 2010 renewed this national pride, and Andrea Meza’s recent victory in 2020 further affirmed Mexico’s standing in the pageant world.
South Africa has also won three crowns.
Margaret Gardiner brought home the first in 1978, followed by Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters in 2017 and Zozibini Tunzi in 2019.
Sweden earned its three crowns in 1955, 1966, and 1984.
Hillevi Rombin Schine, Margareta Arvidsson, and Yvonne Ryding each captured the crown in an era when Sweden shone brightly in Miss Universe.
Photo/s: PEP File
ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓
FRANCE, COLOMBIA, JAPAN, CANADA, AUSTRALIA, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, THAILAND, FINLAND, AND BRAZIL – 2 WINNERS EACH
France captured its first Miss Universe title in 1953 with Christiane Martel, setting the stage for French elegance and sophistication on the global stage. Iris Mittenaere’s win in 2016 brought the crown back to France after six decades.
Colombia, with two Miss Universe titles, has made a lasting impact on the pageant world. Luz Marina Zuluaga won in 1958, becoming Colombia’s first titleholder, and Paulina Vega’s victory in 2014 brought a modern edge to the nation’s pageant legacy.
Japan has also claimed the Miss Universe crown twice, with wins in 1959 and 2007. The first was won by Akiko Kojima, who became the first Asian woman to win, setting a milestone in pageantry; the second was brought home by Riyo Mori.
Canada’s pageant achievements include two crowns, first won by Karen Dianne Baldwin in 1982. The country’s second title came in 2005 with Natalie Glebova.
ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓
Moreover, Australia’s two Miss Universe titles came in 1972 and 2004, represented by Kerry Anne Wells and Jennifer Hawkins, respectively.
Trinidad and Tobago has celebrated two Miss Universe titles. Janelle Commissiong made history in 1977 as the first Black Miss Universe, and Wendy Fitzwilliam’s win in 1998.
Thailand holds two Miss Universe crowns, beginning with Apasra Hongsakula’s win in 1965, followed by Bui Simon’s victory in 1988.
Finland, one of the earliest countries to make an impact on Miss Universe, also holds two titles. Armi Kuusela’s victory in 1952 marked the inaugural Miss Universe win, while Anne Marie Pohtamo’s 1975 crown underscored Finland’s timeless elegance and charm.
Lastly, Brazil won two Miss Universe crowns in 1963 and 1968, with Iêda Maria Vargas and Martha Vasconcellos representing the vibrant, spirited beauty of Brazilian women.
Each of these countries, with their distinctive cultures and unique approaches to pageantry, has contributed to the rich history of Miss Universe, inspiring millions around the world.
The diversity of winners across decades is a testament to the global appeal of the Miss Universe title and the beauty, grace, and resilience of the women who earn it.
