Krystyna Pyszková Wins Miss World 2024 Title in Mumbai

Krystyna Pyszková from the Czech Republic won the title of Miss World 2024 in Mumbai, India, beating 111 other contestants from around the world.

During the preliminary competition, contestants competed in various events like fitness, beauty, talent, and public speaking. Some contestants earned "fast track" spots in the top 40, which was announced at the beginning of the show.

SAN SALVADOR, EL SALVADOR - NOVEMBER 16: Miss Ecuador 2023 Delary Stoffers attends the 72nd Miss Universe Competition - National Costume Show at Gimnasio Nacional Jose Adolfo Pineda on November 16, 2023 in San Salvador, El Salvador. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)

Krystyna Pyszková, the newly-crowned Miss World, models during the "Best Designer Award" contest at the 71st Miss World pageant preliminaries on March 2.

At the competition, the field was reduced to the top 12 and then further to the top eight. The contestants then took part in a traditional Q&A session, where they discussed topics from the recent G20 Summit. One of the questions asked them to talk about an issue related to women's health care. Pyszková, a 23-year-old law student and model, highlighted the importance of removing the stigma and shame surrounding menstruation. She emphasized that being a woman is a gift and that periods should not be a taboo subject.

After one final cut, four contestants remained to present their philanthropic platforms to the business moguls from "Shark Tank India." Each of these finalists hailed from different regions of the world: Africa, the Americas and Caribbean, Asia and Oceania, and Europe.

Pyszková emerged victorious over the three runners-up - Yasmina Zeytoun from Lebanon, Aché Abrahams from Trinidad and Tobago, and Lesego Chombo from Botswana. These women, along with Jessica Gagen from England, are recognized as the pageant's "continental winners."

Miss Ecuador 2023, Delary Stoffers, was present at the 72nd Miss Universe Competition - National Costume Show in San Salvador, El Salvador on November 16, 2023.

Hector Vivas/Getty Images

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Miss World, established in the United Kingdom in 1951 as a "bikini contest," is one of the oldest international beauty pageants. Two of its most famous winners, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan (Miss World 1994) and Priyanka Chopra Jonas (Miss World 2000), both hail from India.

During the pageant, Chopra Jonas sent a video message to honor Miss World owner Julia Morley and Nita Ambani, who received the pageant's Humanitarian Award.

Pyszková replaces the outgoing Miss World, Karolina Bielawska, of Poland, whose reign dates back to March 2022. (Due to scheduling issues, no Miss World pageant was held in 2023.)

Editor's P/S:

The crowning of Krystyna Pyszková as Miss World 2024 is a testament to the evolving nature of beauty pageants. The competition no longer solely focuses on physical attributes but also on the contestants' intelligence, eloquence, and social advocacy. Pyszková's articulate response to the question on women's health care demonstrates her understanding of important global issues and her commitment to breaking down barriers.

The presence of business moguls from "Shark Tank India" highlights the shift towards recognizing the entrepreneurial spirit and philanthropic endeavors of the contestants. The pageant has become a platform for these young women to showcase their talents and make a positive impact on the world. The victory of Pyszková, along with the other continental winners, sends a strong message of empowerment and diversity, inspiring women everywhere to embrace their individuality and strive for excellence.