Who is Victoria Kjaer Theilvig? All you need to know about Miss Universe 2024 winner

Victoria Kjaer Theilvig has made history as the first Danish contestant to win the Miss Universe crown. The 21-year-old aspiring lawyer emerged victorious over more than 120 participants during the 73rd Miss Universe competition, held on November 17, 2024, at Arena CDMX in Mexico City. She was crowned by her predecessor, Miss Nicaragua, Sheynnis Palacios.

Theilvig's victory marks Denmark's inaugural win in the globally recognized beauty pageant. The competition was fierce, with Nigeria's Chidimma Adetshina and Mexico's Maria Fernanda Beltran securing the first and second runner-up positions, respectively. Following her win, the official Instagram account of the competition shared a post with a caption:

"A new era begins! Congratulations to Denmark, our 73rd Miss Universe. May your reign inspire and empower women worldwide. #73MissUniverseCompetition."

Born in 2003 in Soborg, Denmark, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig is a European and World Championship dancer, a beauty entrepreneur, and a strong advocate for mental health and animal protection. With a bachelor's degree in business, Theilvig has also excelled in entrepreneurship, particularly in the luxury jewelry industry.

Her advocacy work focuses on amplifying unheard voices and promoting animal welfare. These values align with her aspirations of becoming a lawyer, where she hopes to bring about meaningful change.

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Victoria Kjaer Theilvig's path to Miss Universe

The Miss Universe 2024 pageant was a landmark event, featuring participants from over 120 countries. This year, the organization introduced a new crown, "Lumiere de l'Infini," designed by the French-Filipino jewelry brand Jewelmer. The crown features 23 rare South Sea pearls, with a golden South Sea pearl at its center.

Victoria Kjaer Theilvig's journey to the crown included rigorous rounds, from swimsuit and evening gown showcases to talent and Q&A segments. In a pivotal moment that often decides the winner, Theilvig was asked:

"What is the most important quality a leader should possess in today's world?"

In her response, Theilvig emphasized the importance of empathy, stating:

"A great leader must be able to understand and connect with the people they serve. Empathy fosters unity, and in a world facing numerous challenges, it allows leaders to make decisions that benefit everyone, not just a select few."

These elements, combined with her thoughtful answers, helped secure Denmark its first-ever Miss Universe title.

Victoria Kjaer Theilvig's pageant journey began in 2022 when she participated in Miss Denmark, finishing as the second runner-up. She continued her efforts and earned the title of Miss Universe Denmark 2024.

Beyond pageantry, she runs a luxury jewelry business specializing in diamond sales and high-end custom pieces. Her brand focuses on creating timeless, sustainable designs that cater to an elite clientele under the name "VKT Diamonds."

Victoria Kjaer Theilvig is also deeply involved in advocating for animal rights. She actively raises awareness about the humane treatment of animals, highlighting her commitment to societal issues.

As Miss Universe 2024, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig will embark on a year-long journey, participating in global events and humanitarian projects. She aims to use her platform to advocate for her causes and bring attention to Denmark's rich cultural heritage.