Graphics by Krizza Enriquez [@kxxenriquez]
If a country finished as first runner-up at Miss Universe will that increase its chances in winning the crown by the next year? This is an interesting question that is relevant in the first Hot Picks of Miss Universe 2024. Miss Thailand Suchata Chuangsri is the current frontrunner partly because her predecessor was the first runner-up at Miss Universe 2023.
Statistically speaking, it is probable that Thailand will clinch the Miss Universe crown this year. There were some examples of countries falling short of the crown by hair-thin margins but rebounded to victory in the next year. One such example is Zozibini Tunzi’s victory in 2019 which was preceded by Tamaryn Green’s first runner-up finish. The same happened to Riyo Mori in 2007 avenging the 2006 loss of Kurara Chibana.
However, there were more heartaches than victories. In 2000, the Philippines was so hopeful of a win after Miriam Quimbao placed second in 1999 but the country ended up disappointed. Andrea Tovar was emotional in 2016 as hopes for a third crown ran high. Colombia thought it will be rewarded with a title after the controversial first runner-up finish of Ariadna Gutiérrez in 2015 but that didn’t materialize.
Suchata Chuangsri may ride on the momentum, but she has her own innate qualities worthy of a crown. She’s classier and fresher than her predecessor. She is a consistent favorite during the nationals and has won a bevy of admirers not just from her home country but from around the world.
But there are equally stunning candidates that can easily upstage the frontrunner. Miss Peru Tatiana Calmell is one of them. Tatiana’s experience at Miss International 2022 – where she was the heavy favorite – is her edge. And we can’t discount Miss Venezuela Ileana Marquez in line with the time-tested adage that says, “Venezuela is Venezuela”.
Beyond the sash weight, some countries that we rarely hear winning a Big5 crown are fielding stunning contestants for Miss Universe 2024. Miss Denmark Victoria Kjær Theilvig for example caught the attention of beauty enthusiast even though her country is a lightweight at beauty pageants.
Some countries are flexing their historical muscle. The Dominican Republic may have won a crown back in 2003 but it is dead serious in pursuing the second one by sending Celinee Santos this year.
Miss Universe 2024 is already coming next month but it’s quite premature to pinpoint the frontrunners with high degree of certainty. With so many stunning candidates, its everyone’s game at of the moment!
Complete list of Miss Universe 2024 1st Hot Picks:
1. Thailand – Suchata Chuangsri
2. Peru – Tatiana Calmell
3. Venezuela – Ileana Marquez
4. Denmark – Victoria Kjær Theilvig
5. Dominican Republic – Celinee Santos
6. Vietnam – Ky Duyen Nguyen
7. India -Rhea Singha
8. Spain – Michelle Jiménez
9. USA – Alma Cooper
10. Philippines – Chelsea Manalo
11. Netherlands – Faith Landman
12. Jamaica – Rachel Silvera
13. Mexico – Maria Fernanda Beltran
14. Puerto Rico – Jennifer Colon
15. New Zealand – Victoria Vincent
16. Brazil – Luana Cavalcante
17. Curaçao – Kimberly de Boer
18. Egypt – Logina Salah
19. Myanmar – Thet San Andersen
20. Panama – Italy Mora
