Miss Nicaragua Sheynnis Palacios is the 2023 Miss Universe winner.

A new Miss Universe has been crowned! Nicaragua’s Shannin Palacios won the title on November 18th in San Salvador, El Salvador, in the 72nd edition of the international competition held in 2023. She is the first contestant from her country to win the Miss Universe competition.

The 23-year-old TV host and model defeated first runner-up Thailand’s Antonia Porzilde and second runner-up Australia’s Moraya Willson. Other competitors who made it to the top 10 in the final included Colombia’s Camila Avella, El Salvador’s Isabela Garcia-Manzo, Peru’s Camila Escribens, the Philippines’ Michelle Dee, Puerto Rico’s Carla Guilfu Acevedo, Spain’s Ethenia Perez, and Venezuela’s Diana Silva.

A total of 84 contestants participated in the Miss Universe 2023 competition, competing in evening gowns, swimsuits, and national costumes. Palacios wore an embellished black dress designed by George Salazar Caliz, inspired by the national bird of her country, the Nicaraguan Guardabarranco.

Miss Nicaragua Sheynnis Palacios is the 2023 Miss Universe winner. Credit by praew.com

Miss Universe 2022, Arribanni Gabrielle, who was also a former Miss USA, handed over the crown to the winner.
Just hours before the final, Palacios, who had participated in several competitions before, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram about fulfilling her childhood dream of competing in a global contest. In Spanish, she wrote, ‘Tonight, I dedicate it to the child within me and to every girl eager to fulfill this dream. Here, you know that your dreams and goals will overcome obstacles, and remember to support them with determination, strength, and passion.

She continued, ‘My beautiful homeland, thank you for allowing me to be an ambassador of your culture, landscapes, our identity, and inclusive beauty. Nicaragua, another night shouting your name and proving to the universe that though our land may be small, we dream big.