Thailand’s Opal Suchata crowned Miss World 2025 at grand finale in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Thailand’s Opal Suchata has been crowned Miss World 2025, becoming the first Thai winner in the pageant’s 72-year history. The grand finale took place at the HITEX Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad, Telangana, bringing together 108 contestants from across the globe and marking the culmination of a month-long journey of beauty, talent, and purpose.

Suchata, a student of international relations and a professional model, emerged as the winner after a tightly contested final round. Representing Asia and Oceania, she impressed the judges with her poise, clarity of thought, and purpose-driven mission.

Ethiopia’s Hasset Dereje was named the first runner-up, while Poland’s Maja Klajda secured the second runner-up position. Aurlie Joachim from Martinique completed the top four.

India’s Nandini Gupta Makes it to Top 20

Representing the host country, India’s Nandini Gupta entered the competition with strong support and high expectations. A former Femina Miss India World 2023 titleholder, Gupta advanced to the top 20 after a commendable run in the Beauty With a Purpose, talent, and head-to-head challenge segments.

However, she did not advance to the quarterfinals, where the final 16 contestants were selected. These 16 included four representatives from each region—Americas-Caribbean, Africa, Europe, and Asia-Oceania—who competed in the final rounds.

Gupta captivated audiences in the finale wearing a symbolic gown designed by Vietnamese couturier Nguyen Tien Truyen. She explained that the gown paid homage to the River Ganges. “Ganga is not merely a river but a divine embodiment of purification, renewal, and the sacred link between heaven and earth,” she shared in a social media post.

Crafted from sheer, flowing fabrics, the gown was designed to evoke the movement of water and light, with wave-like patterns contouring the body. The garment drew inspiration from India’s spiritual connection to its rivers and aimed to portray elegance with cultural depth.

Hosts and Judges

The event was co-hosted by Miss World 2016 Stephanie del Valle, who wore a traditional Indian lehenga, and Indian television presenter Sachiin Kumbhar. They opened the evening by recounting the contestants’ month-long journey through various challenges and cultural experiences.

The judging panel included:

Julia Morley CBE, Chairperson of the Miss World Organization

Sonu Sood, actor and humanitarian, who also received the Miss World Humanitarian Award

Sudha Reddy, Global Ambassador for Beauty With a Purpose 2025

Dr Caryna Turrell, Miss England 2014, public health physician and investor

Krystyna Pyszkova, Miss World 2024

Special Guests and Performances

The finale attracted several prominent Indian personalities. Actors Rana Daggubati and Namrata Shirodkar were in attendance, alongside Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and actor-politician Chiranjeevi. Miss World 2017 Manushi Chhillar also graced the event.

The evening featured performances by Bollywood actors Jacqueline Fernandez and Ishaan Khatter, adding glamour and energy to the ceremony.

Global Access and Live Stream

For the first time, the event was streamed globally in high definition via a dedicated pay-per-view platform at www.watchmissworld.com, allowing audiences worldwide to witness the crowning moment live.

Outgoing Miss World Krystyna Pyszkova of the Czech Republic addressed the audience before handing over the crown. “To the new winner, you have a beautiful year ahead of your win. All I can say is you have such a powerful and beautiful platform to work on your purpose… enjoy it to the fullest, because it goes in the blink of an eye,” she said.

India as Host Nation for the Second Consecutive Year

This was the second consecutive year that India hosted the Miss World pageant. The 71st edition, held in Mumbai in 2024, saw Krystyna Pyszkova crowned as Miss World. Hyderabad’s successful hosting of the 72nd edition reinforces India’s position as a global destination for international events.

With Opal Suchata’s victory, a new chapter begins in Miss World history, while India’s Nandini Gupta leaves behind a strong impression, embodying grace, cultural pride, and dedication.