Denmark Victoria Kjær Theilvig named 73rd Miss Universe

Victoria Kjær Theilvig from Denmark has been named Miss Universe.

Kjaer, an animal protection campaigner who works in the diamond sales business, beat Miss Nigeria in late 73. edition of the competition in Mexico City. Miss Mexico was third.

It is the first time that a Danish contestant has won Miss Universe.

The competition was held at the Mexico City Arena, an indoor venue that seats 20,000 people. Supporters inside shouted and waved flags from countries around the world.

The ceremony began with 131 mariachi musicians and singer Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas playing “Mexicana,” a song created by Emilio Estefan for the competition.

The gala was hosted by Mario López; Olivia Culpo, Miss Universe 2012; presenter Zuri Hall; and Catriona Gray, Miss Universe 2018.

Organizers said there were more than 120 participants.

This year, some countries were represented for the first time, such as Belarus, Eritrea, Guinea, Macau, Maldives, Moldova and Uzbekistan.

This is the third time Mexico has hosted Miss Universe.