Miss World 2025: Thailand’s Opal Suchata Chuangsri Crowned Winner, Ethiopia’s Hasset Dereje Admassu Named Runner-Up!
In a night filled with glamour, grace, and global celebration, Opal Suchata Chuangsri of Thailand was crowned Miss World 2025, marking a historic win as the first-ever Thai contestant to claim the prestigious title. The grand finale of the 72nd edition of the Miss World pageant was held on May 31, 2025, at the HITEX Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad, India. The event featured 108 contestants from all corners of the world, each vying for the crown in one of the most respected and long-standing beauty pageants globally.
A Historic Win for Thailand
Opal Suchata Chuangsri, a 21-year-old student from Phuket, Thailand, stood out throughout the competition with her intelligence, poise, and compassion. She is currently pursuing a degree in Political Science with a focus on International Relations at Thammasat University, one of Thailand’s leading academic institutions. Fluent in Thai, English, and Chinese, Opal demonstrated a rare combination of academic excellence, cultural sophistication, and humanitarian values.
Her journey to the Miss World crown is not just a story of beauty but of immense resilience and purpose. At just 16, Opal underwent surgery for breast cancer, an experience that deeply shaped her perspective on life and led her to launch the “Opal For Her” initiative. This breast cancer awareness program became the foundation of her “Beauty with a Purpose” campaign, a key segment of the Miss World competition that rewards contestants for their commitment to meaningful social causes.
The title was handed to Opal by the reigning Miss World 2024, Krystyna Pyszková of the Czech Republic, amidst loud cheers, fireworks, and emotional embraces.
Runner-Up: Ethiopia’s Hasset Dereje Admassu
Taking the first runner-up spot was Hasset Dereje Admassu of Ethiopia, a strong contender from the beginning and a fan favorite. Hasset’s performance earned her widespread acclaim and made her one of the highest-placing contestants in Ethiopia’s Miss World history. In addition to her runner-up title, she was awarded the continental title of Miss World Africa 2025.
Hasset captivated the audience with her eloquence, elegance, and cultural pride. Her “Beauty with a Purpose” project focused on improving access to education for underprivileged rural children in Ethiopia, showcasing her commitment to equity and development.
Second Runner-Up and Other Finalists
The second runner-up was Maja Klajda of Poland, who impressed the judges with her calm confidence and humanitarian advocacy centered on mental health awareness.
In fourth place was Aurélie Joachim from Martinique, who brought the Caribbean spirit to the global stage with her vibrant energy and vocal stance on women’s rights.
The top finalists were selected through multiple rounds, including a talent competition, sports challenge, multimedia presentation, and the all-important “Beauty with a Purpose” showcase. A mix of public voting, panel judgment, and pre-pageant performances determined the outcome.
India’s Performance
India’s representative, Nandini Gupta, who earlier won Femina Miss India 2023, secured a position in the Top 20 but did not advance to the final round. Despite the high expectations from the host country, Nandini gave a commendable performance and was applauded for her grace and articulate responses during the interview round.
India last won the Miss World crown in 2017 with Manushi Chhillar, and has historically been one of the most successful countries in the pageant.
A Pageant to Remember: Show Highlights
The Miss World 2025 finale was a star-studded event. Hosted by Stephanie Del Valle (Miss World 2016 from Puerto Rico) and popular Indian presenter Sachiin Kumbhar, the event combined cultural richness with global elegance.
A notable performance of the night was delivered by Bollywood actor Ishaan Khatter, who took the stage to dance to the BTS hit “Mic Drop.” While the performance drew mixed reactions online—some praising the fusion of Bollywood and K-pop, others criticizing the choreography—it added a unique flavor to the ceremony.
Musical interludes, traditional dances from participating countries, and special tributes to past Miss World winners made the event a visual delight and a celebration of diversity.
Controversy and Triumph: Opal’s Previous Disqualification
Opal Suchata Chuangsri’s journey to the Miss World crown was not without controversy. Before winning Miss World, she had participated in Miss Universe Thailand 2024, where she placed third. However, her entry into Miss World 2025 violated her Miss Universe Thailand contract, leading to her disqualification from that national franchise.
Despite the backlash and legal threats from the Miss Universe Thailand organizers, Opal pressed forward with her dream of representing Thailand on the Miss World stage. Many see her victory as a bold assertion of her independence and an inspiration to future contestants navigating contractual complexities in pageantry.
Legacy and Message
In her first address as Miss World, Opal shared a heartfelt message:
“This crown is not just for me—it’s for every girl who ever felt silenced by illness, who thought her past defined her future. I am living proof that resilience, compassion, and purpose can take you anywhere.”
Her advocacy work through “Opal For Her” has already begun gaining international attention, with global health organizations expressing interest in collaborating with her campaign to expand breast cancer education and early detection programs in Southeast Asia.
Conclusion
Miss World 2025 will be remembered not just for its glitz and grandeur but for the stories of transformation and empowerment it brought to light. Opal Suchata Chuangsri’s win is a milestone for Thailand and a beacon of hope for young women around the world who aspire to lead with heart and courage.
With Ethiopia’s Hasset Dereje Admassu and Poland’s Maja Klajda rounding out the top three, this edition of Miss World reinforced that beauty, intellect, and compassion know no borders.
As the year progresses, the world will be watching how Opal carries out her responsibilities and continues to advocate for causes close to her heart. If her journey so far is any indication, Miss World 2025 has found in her a worthy queen.
