The 71st Miss World pageant will open on Feb. 18 and run through March 9 at various locations in India.
Previously scheduled for Dec. 16, 2023, the pageant was postponed due to the recent election in India. Miss World Karolina Bielawska of Poland, crowned in March 2022, extended her reign that will now end when the 71st Miss World Global Finale happens at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai on March 9.
The Miss World pageant stands as one of the oldest international beauty competitions, with a rich history that dates back to its inception in 1951. The inaugural Miss World competition occurred at the Lyceum Ballroom in London, where 26 contestants from various nations gathered to vie for the coveted title. Sweden’s Kiki Haakonson emerged as the first-ever Miss World.
Initially, the competition focused on categories such as evening gown and swimsuit competitions, but it gradually expanded to include talent showcases and interviews to showcase the contestants’ intelligence, charisma and skills beyond aesthetics.
In the 1970s, the pageant faced protests and criticism from feminist groups, leading to alterations in its format, including the removal of the swimsuit competition for a brief period.
Throughout its history, the United Kingdom has been a significant host for Miss World, but the pageant has also traveled to various countries, showcasing the global nature of the competition. During the 1960s, the Miss World show was one of the programs with the highest viewership on British television.
Miss World requirements
To participate in the Miss World competition, contestants must be women aged between 17 and 27, unmarried and childless. Participants must also be citizens of the country they represent or have residency for a significant period.
The selection process involves national pageants or direct appointments, with contestants showcasing their talents, intelligence and commitment to social causes. Beauty is just one aspect, as Miss World places emphasis on qualities such as compassion, leadership and philanthropy.
The difference between Miss Universe and Miss World
The main difference between Miss Universe and Miss World is the organizations behind them. Miss World was created in 1951 by Eric Morley, also known as Mr. World. Currently, Miss World is organized by his widow, Julia Morley.
Both competitions also differ when it comes to pageant segments. Miss Universe is known for featuring a judges’ interview phase, a national costume runway, a swimsuit competition, evening-gown runway and a final Q&A round. Miss World features additional segments, including a social media challenge and sports. Additionally, Miss World significantly emphasizes talent and a “Beauty with a Purpose” project, showcasing the contestants’ commitment to social causes.
Miss Universe is considered popular in Latin America, the United States, Canada and the Philippines. Created in the U.K., Miss World is better known in Europe, Asia and Africa.
Who owns the Miss World?
Miss World is owned by the Miss World Organization, a company founded by Eric Morley in 1951. The Morley family has been closely associated with the pageant’s management since its inception. After Eric Morley’s passing in 2000, his wife, Julia Morley, took over the organization’s leadership.
In June 2022, Julia was appointed by Queen Elizabeth II as Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in recognition of her charitable and voluntary services to disadvantaged people in the United Kingdom and across the world.
American Miss World winners
- Miss World 1973: Marjorie Wallace
- Miss World 1990: Gina Tolleson
- Miss World 2010: Alexandria Mills
