Joheirry Mola Dominguez of the Dominican Republic was crowned Miss World 2026 in Vietnam, according to coverage by NDTV. The 73rd edition of the international beauty pageant concluded on September 5, marking the 75th anniversary of the Miss World organisation as reported by the BBC. The grand finale took place at 2 April Square in Nha Trang, located in Khanh Hoa province, where 24-year-old Mola bested 111 contestants from across the globe according to Deccan Chronicle.
Joheirry Mola Crowned Miss World 2026 in Vietnam
Mola’s victory marks the second time the Dominican Republic has won the title, following Mariasela Alvarez’s win in 1982, as noted by News18. She was crowned by the outgoing titleholder, Opal Suchata Chuangsri of Thailand. Spain’s Elisabeth Reynes Alabern finished as the first runner-up, while Taanusiya Chetty of Malaysia placed as the second runner-up and won the beauty-with-purpose competition. Julia Morley, CEO of the Miss World organisation, announced the winners and runners-up during the event.
Pageant Structure and Final Stages
The competition began with 111 contestants divided into four continental groups: Africa, the Americas and Caribbean, Europe, and Asia and Oceania. Contestants participated in preliminary challenges, closed-door interviews, and live on-stage rounds. Fast-track challenges and judges’ selections narrowed the field to the Top 40, which then progressed to the Top 20, Top 12, and Top 6.
The Top 6 finalists consisted of representatives from six regions: * Snit Habteab of Eritrea (People’s Choice, Africa) * Elisabeth Reynes of Spain (Europe) * Taanusiya Chetty of Malaysia (Beauty With a Purpose, Asia and Oceania) * Le Nguyen Bao Ngoc of Vietnam (Asia & Oceania) * Joheirry Mola of the Dominican Republic (Americas & Caribbean) * Romanda Hombir of South Africa (Africa)
Ahead of the finale, Mola secured her spot in the Top 40 by winning the Americas and Caribbean segment of the Top Model fast-track competition. During the gala, contestants wore evening gowns after changing from traditional Vietnamese Áo dài dresses. The event was hosted by Mr World 2024 Daniel Mejía of Puerto Rico and Miss World 2016 Stephanie del Valle. Organizers announced that the 74th edition of the pageant will be held in Tanzania, East Africa.
Background and Community Work of the Winner
Hailing from Santo Domingo, Mola is a professional model, community advocate, teacher, and journalist. She holds a degree in Business Management and Administration from Universidad Iberoamericana (UNIBE). Professionally, she teaches Literature and Social Studies in English.
As the founder and president of Voices of Tomorrow,
a social initiative established in her community, Mola focuses on expanding English education for children and youth in vulnerable communities to provide them with greater access to opportunities and confidence. Her personal philosophy centers on offering others the opportunities once needed for personal growth. During the pageant, she wore a gown designed by Dominican designer Giannina Azar.
Performance of Indian Representative Nikita Porwal
India was represented at the pageant by Nikita Porwal, who qualified for the Top 40 after being crowned Femina Miss India World 2024. Although Porwal did not advance to the Top 20, the Miss India Organisation announced that her placement continued India’s streak of reaching the top tier at five consecutive editions of the pageant. Porwal, an actor and theatre artist from Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, has a background in television anchoring and playwriting.
