The grand final of the 74th edition of Miss Universe 2025 began on November 20 at 19:00 Mexico time at the Impact Arena in Pak Kret, Thailand. Fátima Bosch, Mexico's representative, competes for the crown against 119 participants in an edition marked by controversies. The event airs on Imagen Televisión and Miss Universe's YouTube channel.
The Miss Universe 2025 final, under the theme 'The Power of Love', brings together candidates from around the world in Thailand, where Fátima Bosch, from Teapa, Tabasco, and born on May 19, 2000, aims to become the fourth Mexican winner, following Lupita Jones (1991), Ximena Navarrete (2010), and Andrea Meza (2020). Bosch, 25 years old, stands 1.74 meters tall and speaks Spanish, English, basic French, and basic Italian. She studied Fashion and Apparel Design at Universidad Iberoamericana, supplemented at Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti in Milan and Lyndon Institute in the United States. She has faced ADHD and dyslexia, leading to bullying, but credits these challenges with her creativity and resilience. Since age 14, she volunteers at an oncology hospital and in suicide prevention.
The edition has been rife with controversies. Bosch confronted Thai executive Nawat Itsaragrisil for insults during a preliminary meeting, responding: 'You are not respecting me as a woman.' Several candidates, like Miss Iraq, showed solidarity. Miss Universe Organization sanctioned and removed Nawat, stating his conduct does not represent values of respect. Bosch emphasized: 'I am not afraid to raise my voice, I am here stronger than ever... I came here to be a voice for all women and girls fighting for causes'.
Other controversies include judge resignations: Franco-Lebanese composer Omar Harfouch accused fraud in preselections of 30 semifinalists by an 'improvised jury,' threatening a lawsuit for 'deception and corruption.' French ex-footballer Claude Makélélé resigned for 'unforeseen personal reasons.' The organization refuted the claims. Bosch suffered an injury from stepping on glass hours before, but continued: 'It hurts a lot when I step.'
Massive support in Mexico includes family in Thailand, memes, a corrido by Compa Camaney comparing her to Jenni Rivera, and a cumbia by Zanate titled 'Vamos a Tailandia.' Miss Nicaragua, Itza Castillo, helped her in a group photo by taking her hand to the front. Ximena Navarrete wished: 'Good luck... Love, joy, and positive energy.' Andrea Meza praised her preparation. Bosch ranked sixth in 'Top 10 Most Beautiful People' and fourth in 'Miss Congeniality.' A leaked list includes Mexico in the top 30 semifinalists. Her national costume, inspired by Xochiquétzal, cost about 150,000 pesos. Votes via app exceed 311,000. Potential prize: 250,000 USD initial plus annual salary.
