Meet Victoria Kjær Theilvig, the first Miss Denmark to win Miss Universe

Victoria Kjær Theilvig is the new Miss Universe.

Victoria Kjær Theilvig is the new Miss Universe.

Theilvig was crowned the winner of the 73rd Miss Universe competition on Saturday night in Mexico City, competing against 124 women for the title.

The pageant queen, who celebrated her 21st birthday just days before winning, is the first Miss Denmark to be named Miss Universe.

Here’s what we know about her.

Victoria Kjær Theilvig is a historic Miss Universe

Theilvig’s crowning moment on the Miss Universe stage.

It had been 61 years since a Miss Denmark contestant had placed in the top five of a Miss Universe competition before Theilvig nabbed her country’s first-ever win on Saturday night.

Theilvig is also the first blond to win Miss Universe since Miss Australia Jennifer Hawkins did so in 2004.

Several women made history at the Miss Universe 2024 pageant. Chidimma Adetshina, who won first runner-up, was the first Miss Nigeria to place in the top five. Miss Malta Beatrice Njoya, 40, was the oldest woman to ever compete in the pageant, and Miss Egypt Logina Salah was the first Miss Universe contestant with vitiligo.

Theilvig is a seasoned pageant queen

Theilvig during the swimsuit competition at Miss Universe.

In a video for Miss Universe, Theilvig revealed that she started competing in pageants when she was 5 years old.

“I have always watched the Miss Universe competition and other major international pageants,” she said in the video. “So, as soon as I turned 17, I joined the Miss Denmark competition.”

Theilvig was named second runner-up at the Miss Denmark 2021 pageant. She also competed at the Miss Grand International 2022 pageant and placed in the top 20. She was crowned Miss Denmark 2024 in September.

In her Miss Universe video, Theilvig said she was practicing her public speaking and runway walk in preparation for Miss Universe so she could be “the best version of myself.” However, Theilvig said she wasn’t stressed about the competition.

“I don’t see it as stress and pressure. I actually see it as working hard to reach your dreams,” she said. “I just try to enjoy every moment of it because this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I want this so much.”

Theilvig is a dancer and beauty entrepreneur

Theilvig during the national costume contest at Miss Universe 2024.

Theilvig grew up in Copenhagen and has a bachelor’s degree in business and marketing.

The pageant queen has worked as a professional dancer and dance teacher but is currently in the diamond-selling business. She also started her own eyelash extension company when she was 16.

According to her Miss Universe bio, Theilvig aspires to become a lawyer.

Theilvig became a mental-health advocate after overcoming childhood trauma

Theilvig is the first Miss Denmark to win Miss Universe in the pageant’s 73-year history.

In her video for Miss Universe, Theilvig said she comes from a “very dysfunctional family with a lot of drug addicts” and has “also been abused.”

“I have worked so much on myself,” she continued. “I’m standing here today as the strongest version I have ever been.”

Theilvig said she wanted to use her platform to spread the message that “there is always a new day tomorrow.”

“You don’t let your past define the person you are and the person you want to be,” she said in the video. “No matter where you came from, no matter your background story, you can always choose to turn it into something positive. So just keep dreaming, and dream big.”

Theilvig echoed this message during the final round of Miss Universe when the top five contestants had to answer the same question: “Miss Universe has inspired generations of women. What is your message to the women watching you right now?”

“No matter where you come from, no matter your past, you can always choose to turn it into your strengths,” Theilvig told the judges. “It will never define who you are. You just gotta keep fighting.”

Theilvig wants to use her platform to advocate for animal protection

Theilvig surrounded by fellow contestants after winning Miss Universe 2024.

Theilvig volunteers at her local animal shelter and cares for rescue rabbits.

In her philanthropy video for Miss Universe, Theilvig explained why animal rights were important to her.

“Every day, countless animals suffer in silence. They don’t have a voice to speak up for their own rights, and they cannot advocate for their own well-being,” she said. “By advocating for animal protection, we not only highlight the importance of kindness, but we also showcase the beauty of our shared humanity.”

Theilvig said she hopes to inspire others to “look beyond the surface and recognize the value of every living creature.”

“Together, we can amplify our voices to advocate for social change,” she added. “Every action counts. Let’s become champions of change, leveraging our influence to create a compassionate world where all beings can thrive.”