Nicaragua’s Sheynnis Palacios crowned as Miss Universe 2023

• Nicaragua's Sheynnis Palacios makes history as the first Nicaraguan woman to be crowned Miss Universe 2023
• The grand event, held at the Jose Adolfo Pineda Arena, featured a grand crowning ceremony on November 19 (IST)
• Shweta Sharda represented India, making it to the top 20 finalists, and Pakistan debuted at the Miss Universe this year

In a dazzling ceremony at the Jose Adolfo Pineda Arena in San Salvador, El Salvador, Nicaragua's Sheynnis Palacios emerged victorious as Miss Universe 2023. The grand event, held on November 19 (according to IST), witnessed the crowning moment as Miss Universe 2022, USA’s R'Bonney Gabriel, crowned Palacios on stage. 

Palacios, the first Nicaraguan woman to claim the Miss Universe title, radiated elegance in an embellished gown that added to the glamour of the pageant. The achievement marks a historic moment for Nicaragua in the realm of beauty pageants.

Australia's Moraya Wilson secured the second runner-up position, while Thailand’s Anntonia Porsild earned the first runner-up spot. 

Despite not clinching the ultimate title, Chandigarh-born Shweta Sharda proudly represented India at Miss Universe 2023, making it to the top 20 finalists. Additionally, this year marked Pakistan's debut at the Miss Universe for the first time. 

The 72nd Miss Universe pageant saw 84 contestants from countries and territoriescompeted against each other. The event was hosted by American television personality Jeannie Mai, joined by Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo and American television presenter Maria Menounos.