This year’s title was won by 22 year old Dayana Mendoza of Venezuela. Mendoza is a fashion model in her country who has modeled for top designers like Roberto Cavalli, who happens to be one of the celebrity judges that evening. Mendoza also confessed that she was a former kidnapped victim and would like to use her title to promote peace and rally against violence.
The Top five composed mostly of Latinas:
Dayana Mendoza : Venezuela (Winner)
Taliana Vargas : Colombia (1st runner-up)
Mariane Cruz gonzales : Dominican Republic (2nd runner-up)
Vera Krasinov : Russia (3rd runner-up)
Eliza Najira : Mexico (4th runner-up)
A separate panel of judges together with representatives from the MUO selected the Final Top 15. The finalists then competed in 3 events namely: the swimsuit competition, the evening gown competition and the final Q&A. The lucky girls who made it to the Top 15 are :
Venezuela (top 5)
Colombia (top 5)
Dominican Republic (top 5)
Russia (top 5)
Mexico (top 5)
USA (top 10)
Spain (top 10)
Italy (top 10)
Australia (top 10)
Kosovo (top 10)
Hungary (top 15)
Czech Republic (top 15)
South Africa (top 15)
Japan (top 15)
Vietnam (top 15)
Winners of special awards are:
El Salvador (Miss Congeniality)
and
Thailand (Best in national costume)
