The Next Global Stage: When Does Miss Universe Start? (And The Shocking New Rules You Missed)

The question of "when does Miss Universe start" has two major answers right now, depending on whether you're looking for the most recent event or the next grand spectacle. As of today, December 11, 2025, the 74th Miss Universe pageant, which crowned Mexico's Fátima Bosch, has just concluded, wrapping up a controversial and highly-watched competition in Thailand. The organization has already set its sights on the next milestone event, promising a return to a historic location for its 75th anniversary.

The most current and anticipated start date for the next global pageant is now officially set for November 2026, when the 75th Miss Universe competition will be hosted in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This upcoming event is already generating buzz, not only for its historic venue but also for the full implementation of the organization's groundbreaking new eligibility rules that have redefined who can compete for the coveted crown.

The Official Start Date for the 75th Miss Universe (2026)

The next time the world tunes in for the dazzling final night will be in November 2026, marking the 75th anniversary of the prestigious beauty pageant.

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The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) has made a major announcement, confirming that the 75th edition of the competition will take place in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

• Event: 75th Miss Universe Pageant (Miss Universe 2026)
• Start Date (Finals): November 2026 (Specific date to be announced, but typically a Saturday or Sunday evening)
• Location: José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum (El Choliseo) in San Juan, Puerto Rico
• Significance: This marks a return to Puerto Rico for the 75th-anniversary celebration, a country with a rich history in the pageant world.

While the final coronation night is the main event, the "start" of the competition typically begins with the arrival of the delegates, followed by the Preliminary Competition and the National Costume Show, which usually take place one to two weeks before the grand finale. Fans should expect these preliminary events to kick off in late October or early November 2026.

Recap of the Most Recent Miss Universe (2025)

For those asking when the pageant *last* started, the answer is very recently. The 74th Miss Universe competition (Miss Universe 2025) was held on November 21, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand.

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This event was significant for several reasons, including a dramatic conclusion and the full impact of the new, inclusive eligibility rules.

The ultimate winner of the 2025 title was Fátima Bosch from Mexico, who was crowned in a ceremony at the Impact Challenger Hall in Pak Kret, Nonthaburi.

Here are the key details from the most recent competition:

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• Edition: 74th Miss Universe Pageant (Miss Universe 2025)
• Finals Date: November 21, 2025
• Host City: Bangkok, Thailand
• Winner: Fátima Bosch (Mexico)
• Runner-Up: Miss Thailand

The 2025 event experienced several controversies, including debates over the number of contestants with strong ties to the United States and a focus on the four key judging categories introduced by the MUO president, Raul Rocha.

The Radical Rule Changes Redefining the Competition

The true "start" of a new era for Miss Universe began with the implementation of radical rule changes, which were fully visible in the 2025 competition and will continue to shape the 2026 event. These changes represent a massive shift in the pageant world, moving away from traditional, restrictive criteria to embrace a more modern, inclusive vision.

1. Eligibility for All Adult Women

One of the most groundbreaking changes is the removal of the age limit, marital status, and parental status restrictions. The new rule, which took effect for the 72nd edition in 2023 and has been fully integrated since, allows every adult woman in the world to be eligible to compete for the Miss Universe title. This means contestants can be married, divorced, mothers, or have any other relationship status, provided they are over the age of 18. This dramatic shift has opened the door for a more diverse and experienced pool of delegates.

2. The Four Key Judging Segments

The judging process has been streamlined to focus on four core segments, according to the MUO leadership. While the exact weight of each segment can vary, the focus remains on a holistic assessment of the delegate's character, presentation, and advocacy. These segments typically include:

• Interview/Question & Answer: Assessing the delegate's intelligence, communication skills, and understanding of current events.
• Evening Gown: Judging poise, elegance, and stage presence.
• Swimsuit/Activewear: Evaluating confidence, physical fitness, and healthy lifestyle.
• Statement/Final Word: A final opportunity to articulate their platform and vision for the title.

3. The Rise of "US-Tied" Contestants

A major talking point during the 2025 pageant was the presence of five contestants with strong US ties, including those who were born or raised in the United States but represented other countries. The Miss Universe regulations permit delegates to represent a country if they are a citizen or permanent resident of that nation. This rule led to a debate about national representation and the global nature of the competition, which will undoubtedly continue into the 2026 pageant in Puerto Rico.

Anticipating the 75th Anniversary in Puerto Rico

The 2026 Miss Universe in San Juan is more than just a competition; it is a momentous celebration of the pageant's 75th anniversary. Puerto Rico, known for its passionate fans and successful history in the competition (having produced five Miss Universe winners), is the perfect backdrop for this milestone.

As the reigning Miss Universe, Fátima Bosch, continues her reign, the world eagerly awaits the crowning of her successor. The 75th edition promises to be a spectacle of global unity, fashion, and powerful advocacy, further solidifying the Miss Universe competition's role as a platform for female empowerment and leadership.

For the most up-to-date information regarding ticket sales, preliminary event dates, and broadcast details for the November 2026 finale, fans should monitor the official Miss Universe social media channels and website. The journey to the 75th crown has already begun, and the world will be watching when the next chapter officially starts in Puerto Rico.