The grand final of MGI All Stars 2026 recently took place in Thailand, bringing together many standout contestants who had previously made their mark at major international beauty competitions.

At the end of the competition, Vanessa Pulgarin of Colombia was crowned the winner, while Faith Maria Porter of Ghana finished as first runner-up. Representing Vietnam, Nguyen Huong Giang, who was crowned Miss International Queen 2018, secured the title of second runner-up.

Following the final night and in front of a large international media presence in Thailand, Huong Giang said this was not her first connection with the MGI stage. Six months earlier, she had stood at the same venue while competing at Miss Universe. This time, she returned with a clearer purpose and left with everything she had hoped to achieve.

"I came back knowing exactly what I wanted from this competition, and I achieved it. I proved my capabilities, I proved why I deserved to return, and I proved that people should never give up because persistence leads to success. I accomplished every message that mattered most to me. I am completely happy with this result," she said.

She also shared her view on the winner, saying: "I think Vanessa is the right choice for this competition."

At the same time, she confirmed that this would be the final stop on her pageant journey, adding that she has no intention of competing in any future beauty contests.

What moved her most was not the crown itself but the overwhelming support she received from fans.

"There are no words that can truly express what I want to say to the audience because the love they have shown me is so immense. I don't know how I can ever repay that affection," she said emotionally, referring to the many Vietnamese supporters who traveled to the venue, watched the livestream and voted for her, contributing billions of Vietnamese dong in support.

Reflecting on the significance of her achievement, Huong Giang said: "Perhaps there has never been a transgender contestant who has reached the top three of one of the world's biggest international beauty pageants like this. I feel honored, but even now it still feels like a dream. I can hardly believe it is real."

During the final night, Huong Giang delivered several memorable moments on stage.

In the top-five question-and-answer round, she was asked about something that no one else could imitate. She highlighted her journey of overcoming prejudice and social barriers.

"I am here not only to represent beauty but also perseverance and to tell my story. My story is something no one else on this stage can have," she said.

Huong Giang also won the World's Choice Awards, the fan-voted prize that became one of the most talked-about special awards at this year's competition.

MGI All Stars is a newly launched international pageant that allows contestants to register independently without going through national Miss Grand International license holders. The competition also broadens eligibility by welcoming transgender contestants as well as married women and mothers.

Huy Minh