The Miss Universe 2025 Frontrunners Everyone's Talking About—Ahtisa Manalo Included!

While the 74th Miss Universe finals draw near, excitement is reaching new heights as all 120 candidates gear up for their chance to claim the coveted Miss Universe 2025 crown. The coronation night—set to be held in Bangkok, Thailand, today, November 21, 2025—has fans around the world buzzing as the delegates continue to make their mark during pre-pageant activities.

Based on early buzz, standout prelim performances, and strong online presence, a few contenders have already begun capturing global attention with their confidence, advocacy work, and undeniable stage presence.

If you're curious, here are five of the favorite picks for Miss Universe 2025:

Olivia Yace of Côte d'Ivoire isn't just walking on the Miss Universe stage—she shines every time she appears. And we've seen that throughout her pageant journey, which shows how determined she is. She's held several major titles, including Miss Ivory Coast 2021, Miss World Africa 2022, and Miss World 2022.

Recently, she impressed fans once again when she revealed her national costume: a stunning golden ensemble with phoenix-like wings inspired by the Akan people. The look pays tribute to their rich culture and symbolizes wealth, strength, and royalty.

Not only is she a woman of beauty, Olivia is also known for her heart for service. Through the Olivia Yace Foundation, she helps support access to education and advocates for women's health. ICYDK, she is also Côte d'Ivoire’s Ambassador of Tourism which really shows that she's not just here to walk and play, she's here to win.

When it comes to Ahtisa Manalo of the Philippines, there's absolutely no backing down—not even in one of the toughest Miss Universe competitions yet. A true pageant veteran, she's showing everyone that her comeback isn't for nothing. This time, she's aiming straight for the crown, and fans around the world are rooting for her every step of the way.

Ahtisa has always been self-made. Even at a young age, she already managed her own food business and continues to grow as an entrepreneur. Beyond her work, she stands firmly for the causes closest to her heart. She's a strong advocate for gender equality and a proud ally of the LGBTQIA+ community.

"I'm really strong when it comes to gender equality, when it comes to [the] LGBT community, I really try to speak about it, I call [out] someone who is being homophobic," Ahtisa said.

"I have family members who are gay, and I have a lot of friends who are gay also—my mentors, my friends, my supporters. I'm surrounded by gay people and the LGBT community," she added.

ICYDK, before earning the spot to represent Thailand on the Miss Universe stage, Praveenar "Veena" Singh of Thailand had competed in Miss Universe Thailand four times since 2018. On her third try in 2023, she also made history as one of the first married contestants after the organization opened its doors to married women.

For Veena, carrying the Miss Universe Thailand title is far from easy. She believes it demands the same flexibility and openness that define the country’s rich diversity.

"To be Miss Universe Thailand, you have to have a lot of experiences to represent the country because Thailand is a melting pot of culture, diversity," Veena said.

"And I do think that I am a great example of that with my perseverance, my determination, and with the, you know, I would say everything that I've been through.. I represent the diversity of Thailand as well. And I want to show you guys that Thailand is open-minded people and open-minded country," she added.

Despite being one of the youngest contestants in Miss Universe, 22-year-old Bereniece Dickenson from the Turks and Caicos Islands is proving she can stand toe-to-toe with the best. In one of her interviews, Bereniece revealed that if she weren't competing in Miss Universe, she would be the "youngest managing director for a successful group of companies"—a statement that shows just how driven, focused, and capable she is at such a young age.

Bereniece holds a Bachelor's degree in Architecture and Building Technologies from the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC).

Although Fatima Bosch of Mexico was at the center of the Miss Universe pre-sash ceremony controversy, she handled the situation with grace, kindness, and courtesy. Throughout the competition, she emphasized that Miss Universe is a platform meant to empower women, nothing less, and that their "voices deserved to be heard." Because of this, she won even more hearts.

Over the years, Fatima has shown how much of a fighter she is and how determined she is to succeed. According to news reports, she has dyslexia and Adult Hyperactivity Disorder, which led to bullying during her grade school years.

Despite these challenges, she graduated with a degree in Fashion Design from Universidad Iberoamericana. Today, she uses everything she has learned to build a platform that supports children, migrants, and vulnerable communities.

If the prelims are any indication, this year's Miss Universe race is tight—and these five queens are leading the charge. All eyes are now on the 120 candidates as we wait to see who will rise, who will surprise, and who will ultimately take home the crown.