The grand finale of Miss Grand International 2024 took place on October 25 in Bangkok, Thailand, featuring 69 contestants from across the world. After almost a month of activities, the event culminated with India's Rachel Rupta winning the coveted title.

After a nearly three-hour event, Rachel Rupta from India was crowned Miss Grand International 2024. The runner-ups were Christine Opiaza from the Philippines (1st runner-up), Thae Su Nyein from Myanmar (2nd runner-up), Safiétou Kabengele from France (3rd runner-up), and Talita Hartmann from Brazil (4th runner-up).

The 20-year-old Rachel, who stands 1.78m tall, is a model, businesswoman, and actress. She is also the CEO of a beauty academy and salon. With her sharp features, impressive presentation skills, and articulate answers, Rachel's win was well-received by international fans. Throughout the competition, she consistently performed well, demonstrating both charm and poise.

Rachel has been a vegan since a young age and began her entrepreneurial journey at 18. Raised in a family of real estate entrepreneurs, she was inspired to pursue business. Her victory was celebrated by fans worldwide, who had admired her steady performance and standout presence during the pageant.

The finale began with the reigning Miss Grand International, Luciana Fuster, making a dazzling entrance alongside the 69 contestants. Dressed in a vibrant yellow outfit adorned with intricate details, Luciana captivated the audience with her charm. She and the contestants showcased a high-energy dance performance, setting the tone for the night.

Each contestant then introduced herself with a confident catwalk, accompanied by lively music. The representatives from France and India received thunderous applause from the audience. Vietnam’s Vo Le Que Anh also made a memorable appearance, exuding confidence in a stylish, body-hugging gown as she proudly shouted out her country’s name.

Despite a spirited performance, Que Anh did not make it to the Top 20, ending Vietnam's impressive streak of eight consecutive years of reaching the Top 20 since 2016. The audience was left surprised by her early exit, especially given her strong pre-competition record.

During the evening, awards for Best National Costume were given to the representatives from Brazil, Ecuador, and Honduras. The title of "Country's Power of the Year" went to Miss Grand Myanmar, based on social media votes, earning her a spot in the Top 20.

After the Top 20 was announced, the contestants competed in the swimsuit round, showcasing their poise and confidence. The audience cheered as each contestant walked the stage, with contestants from the Americas making a strong impression.

Peru's Arlette Rujel captivated the audience with her spirited dance moves, while participants from the Philippines, India, Dominican Republic, and Indonesia maintained their strong presence.

Miss Popular Vote was awarded to Indonesia's Nova Liana, securing her a place in the Top 10. The other Top 10 finalists were from France, Myanmar, Peru, Spain, India, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Philippines, and England.

Akisha Albert from Curacao, who was a Top 10 finalist at Miss Universe 2018, did not make it to the Top 10, leaving fans disappointed.

The Top 10 contestants delivered speeches promoting peace and unity. India's Rachel Rupta stood out with her eloquent English, advocating for global respect for diversity and stressing that our differences can strengthen human connections.

The Top 10 contestants dazzled in the evening gown round, each dressed in carefully selected gowns that highlighted their elegance. Following this, the Top 5 finalists were announced: Philippines, Myanmar, Brazil, India, and France.

These contestants had stood out throughout the competition, not just for their beauty but also for their professionalism and communication skills.

In the final Q&A, the contestants were asked, "What is the most pressing issue the world faces today, and what is the solution?"

Philippines' Christine Opiaza highlighted war and violence, advocating for compassion and respect. Myanmar's Thae Su Nyein addressed plastic pollution, urging action to reduce plastic use.

Brazil's Talita Hartmann emphasized education as a key to solving global challenges. India’s Rachel Rupta spoke about overpopulation and the scarcity of resources, suggesting responsible global strategies, including family planning. France’s Safiétou Kabengele discussed the role of the media in raising awareness about critical issues.

After a night filled with intense competition, Rachel Rupta from India was crowned Miss Grand International 2024. Her grace, intelligence, and composure won her the admiration of judges and fans alike. The pageant concluded with cheers and applause as Rachel took her first steps as the new Miss Grand International, ready to represent peace and unity on the global stage.

Miss Grand International 2024 was held in Bangkok, Thailand, with participants from 69 countries, emphasizing cultural exchange and global harmony. The next edition will take place in Mexico, where the reigning queen, Rachel Rupta, will pass on the crown.

Minh Khoi - Dinh Tuan