Catalina Duque of Colombia was crowned Miss International 2025 on the evening of November 27 at the Yoyogi National Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan.

The 24-year-old beauty succeeded Huynh Thi Thanh Thuy of Vietnam, Miss International 2024, in a grand finale featuring more than 70 contestants from around the world.

This marks Colombia’s second win at the Miss International pageant. The 2025 edition introduced a revamped format focused on social causes and empowerment, drawing strong engagement both in-person and online.

Yollanda Chimbarami of Zimbabwe was named first runner-up, followed by Paola Guzmán Sanchez of Bolivia as second runner-up. Melliza Xaviera from Indonesia and Myrna Esguerra from the Philippines completed the top five, which was selected from a top 10 following evening gown presentations and a final Q&A round that centered on the pageant’s themes of unity and empowerment.

Earlier, the top five contestants - representing the Philippines, Zimbabwe, Indonesia, Bolivia, and Colombia - answered a shared question: How would you describe your Miss International experience to your family and loved ones?

Catalina Duque reflected on how she once believed that only grand moments mattered. But learning about Japanese culture taught her the concept of mono no aware - the appreciation for fleeting beauty. She spoke of how autumn leaves falling, the joy of children hugging her, or the aroma of a warm bowl of ramen reminded her to cherish life’s simple moments. She expressed gratitude for being part of the pageant and said she had the time of her life.

The top 10 finalists included contestants from Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Canada, Indonesia, the Dominican Republic, Bolivia, Colombia, Nicaragua, Zimbabwe, and the Philippines.

The top 20 comprised candidates from South Africa, the United States, Peru, Canada, Mexico, the Netherlands, Indonesia, Thailand, Angola, Zimbabwe, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Bolivia, the Philippines, Nicaragua, Sri Lanka, and Japan. These contestants competed in swimwear and evening gown rounds.

Special awards were also presented during the event. The continental titles went to: Miss International Europe – United Kingdom; Miss International Africa – Zimbabwe; Miss International Americas – Turks and Caicos Islands; Miss International Asia & Pacific – Macau.

Additional honors included: Miss Elegance – Czech Republic; Best Physique – Dominican Republic; and Miss Popularity – Myanmar.

The 63rd edition of Miss International was hosted once again in Tokyo, the birthplace of the pageant, which was founded in 1960. This year’s new format narrowed the field from 80 contestants to a top 20 before the final rounds.

Nguyen Ngoc Kieu Duy, 22, represented Vietnam at this year’s competition. Crowned Miss National Vietnam 2024, she brought a vibrant and athletic image to the international stage. Kieu Duy earned second place in the national costume segment with her “Cuu Long An Van” ensemble inspired by the Mekong River. The top honor in this category went to Portia Akua Mensah of Ghana.

Huy Minh