Tracing its origins to a garment manufacturer’s marketing promotion in 1952, the Miss Universe competition has evolved into a globally recognized event-and a business subject to frequent ownership changes.From Donald Trump’s tenure to its recent acquisition by a Thai company and subsequent co-ownership with a Mexican businessman, the pageant’s leadership has undergone significant shifts [[1]]. Recently,the competition has also marked a turning point with expanded eligibility criteria,opening the door to a more diverse range of contestants [[1]].
The Miss Universe competition, a globally recognized beauty pageant, began in 1952 as a creation of Pacific Mills, a California-based garment manufacturer. The pageant has seen several ownership changes over the decades, including periods under Kayser-Roth and Gulf and Western Industries. In 1996, Donald Trump acquired the organization and operated it through Miss Universe Organization.
In September 2015, Trump sold the business to Endeavour, operating under IMG. Then, on October 25, 2022, Thai company JKN Global Group, led by Jakapong Jakrajudha, acquired Miss Universe through its subsidiary, JKN Metaverse INC., a U.S.-incorporated company.
Most recently, on January 23, 2024, JKN sold a 50% stake in the Miss Universe Organization to Mexican businessman Raúl Rocha, establishing a co-ownership structure for the pageant.
However, it was Jakapong Jakrajudha, as CEO of JKN, who announced policy changes that marked a significant turning point in Miss Universe history. Starting with the 2023 competition, the pageant opened its doors to married women, mothers, transgender women, and removed age restrictions for contestants.
Previously, contestants were required to be biologically female, never married, and never pregnant. Prior marriages, annulments, or having given birth disqualified candidates, and the age limit was set between 18 and 28 years old.
Competition Format
The competition begins with national delegates competing in a preliminary round, the scores from which contribute to advancement into the live show. This preliminary round assesses swimsuit, evening gown, and interview performances before a panel of judges.
Following this, the top 20 highest-scoring contestants from the preliminary round are announced as semifinalists during the live broadcast.
These 20 semifinalists then deliver a 15-second speech to determine the top 10. The top 10 then compete in swimsuit and evening gown rounds to narrow the field to the final five.
The final five contestants answer questions from the judges, in the order they were announced, with each receiving a unique question. Scores from all previous rounds determine the top three, who then answer the same question for the judges’ final consideration.
The reigning queen then makes her farewell walk, followed by the announcement of the second runner-up and, finally, the crowning of the new Miss Universe.
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