Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua was crowned Miss Universe 2023 at the 72nd edition of the pageant hosted in El Salvador on Saturday.
The 23-year-old beauty queen received the coveted crown and sash from her predecessor, R'Bonney Gabriel of the United States.
This historic win marks the first time a contestant from Nicaragua has clinched the Miss Universe title. The runners-up for the competition were Thailand's Anntonia Porsild and Australia's Moraya Wilson, completing the top three.
Palacios, who attributes humility and gratitude for small things as her main qualities, triumphed over 84 contestants in a week-long series of competitions, encompassing swimsuit, evening gown, and national dress segments.
In her answer to the judges' final question, Palacios underscored the significance of equal pay regardless of gender, advocating for women to have the opportunity to "work in any area".
"There is no limit for women," she said.
The pageant unfolded on a stage set in the newly renovated Adolfo Pineda National Gymnasium in the capital, San Salvador. The gala, graced by the presence of El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele, also saw the announcement that the next edition of Miss Universe will be hosted in Mexico.
