Miss Universe 101: 10 things to know about the pageant

For more than seven decades, the Miss Universe pageant has stood as one of the world’s most celebrated spectacles of beauty, culture, and international representation. But behind the glitz of evening gowns, the intensity of Q&A rounds, and the global fanfare lies a rich, complex history that spans nearly a century. Here are ten essential things you should know about this iconic competition.

1. The title 'Miss Universe' dates back to 1926

Long before the modern pageant existed, the title “Miss Universe” debuted at the International Pageant of Pulchritude, an international beauty contest held from 1926 to 1935. Its early demise came as the Great Depression and geopolitical tensions reshaped the world.

2. The modern Miss Universe was founded in 1952

The present-day pageant traces its origins to Pacific Knitting Mills, manufacturer of Catalina Swimwear. After a dispute with Miss America 1951 Yolande Betbeze—who refused to pose in their swimsuits—the company created both the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants.

3. The First Miss Universe is from Finland

The inaugural Miss Universe competition took place in Long Beach, California in 1952. Finland’s Armi Kuusela won the crown and later gave up her title early (though not officially), choosing to marry before completing her reign.

4. The Organization once dated titles a year ahead

From 1952 to 1958, Miss Universe winners were titled based on the year after the pageant, mirroring the Miss America system. Thus, Armi Kuusela was known as Miss Universe 1953, despite winning in 1952.

5. First appeared on TV in 1955

Television changed everything. CBS first aired the pageant in 1955 and went on to broadcast Miss USA and Miss Universe—initially jointly, then separately—helping the pageant evolve into a global entertainment event.

6. Ownership of Miss Universe has changed hands many times

From clothing companies to corporate giants, the pageant has passed through various owners:

• Pacific Mills → Kayser-Roth

• Gulf and Western (1975)

• Procter & Gamble (1991)

• Donald Trump (1996)

• Trump & NBC joint venture (2002)

• WME/IMG (2015)

Every shift influenced branding, production, and global reach.

7. Donald Trump’s era marked a significant turning point

Trump purchased the pageant in 1996, moved its headquarters to New York, and brought major broadcast deals through CBS, and later, NBC. But his 2015 statements on immigration led NBC to cut ties, prompting Trump to buy back NBC’s stake—only to sell the entire MUO days later to IMG.

8. Miss Universe entered the streaming age in 2022

In a historic shift, Thai-owned JKN Global Group—led by Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip—acquired MUO for $14 million. Under JKN, the 방송 rights moved to The Roku Channel, marking the first time the pageant became a fully streaming-only platform in the U.S., ending decades of traditional TV coverage.

9. Major departures

Two longtime leaders left the Miss Universe Organization in quick succession:

• Paula Shugart, MUO President (November 2023)

• Amy Emmerich, MUO CEO (March 2024)

Their exits marked the end of an era and opened discussions about the pageant’s future direction.

10. Miss Universe remains one of the world’s most influential pageants

Despite ownership changes, controversies, and the evolution of global media, Miss Universe remains a cultural force—celebrated for its platform of advocacy, diversity, and women’s empowerment. Today, with a renewed focus on inclusivity and innovation, it continues to shape global conversations on representation and modern womanhood.

From its humble beginnings in the 1920s to its status as a massive global event streamed worldwide, Miss Universe has undergone countless transformations—each reflecting the shifting tides of culture, media, and society. Yet after nearly a century, one thing remains unchanged: its enduring power to captivate the world.