Joheirry Mola of Dominican Republic wins Miss World 2026

And just like that, the crown has found its new home. Joheirry Mola of the Dominican Republic has emerged as the winner of the 73rd Miss World pageant. Nikita Porwal represented India and made it to the top 40 finalists.

The Dominican Republic's Joheirry Mola has been crowned Miss World 2026, taking home the coveted blue crown at the grand finale of the 73rd edition of the international beauty pageant in Nha Trang, Vietnam, on September 5.

Joheirry Mola emerged victorious after competing against contestants from 110 countries. Spain's Elisabeth Reyns was named the first runner-up, while Malaysia's Taanusiya Chetty finished as the second runner-up.

Mola succeeds Thailand's Opal Suchata Chuangsri, who won the Miss World title in 2025.

The Miss World 2026 finale marked the culmination of weeks of competition, with contestants taking part in various challenges and cultural showcases.

The crown comes with a little extra history this year. While the 2026 finale marks the 73rd Miss World coronation, it also celebrates 75 years of the pageant, which began in London in 1951. The milestone edition marks more than seven decades of changing beauty standards, global representation and the evolution of the international pageant.

Who is Miss World 2026 Joheirry Mola ?

A dedicated educator, community advocate and communicator, Joheirry Mola holds a degree in Business Management and Administration from Universidad Iberoamericana according to the official website of Miss world.

She is the founder and president of Voices of Tomorrow, an initiative that works to expand access to English education for children and young people in vulnerable communities. As an educator, she teaches Literature and Social Studies in English, with a focus on encouraging critical thinking and holistic development.

Her work extends to media as well. Mola has worked as a correspondent for Univision New York's Ventana a Quisqueya, where she has highlighted Dominican culture, social issues and stories from the community.

She is also a professional model and a Goya Gives Ambassador. Her work across education, media and community initiatives has been guided by a focus on human connection, empathy and creating opportunities for others.

Her personal motto reflects that philosophy: "The greatest gift you can offer is the opportunity that you once needed yourself in order to grow, move forward, and transform your life."

With the Miss World crown now hers, Mola will take that message to an even larger global audience.

India's Miss World 2026 journey

Meanwhile, India was represented at Miss World 2026 by Nikita Porwal, the actor and theatre artist from Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. Porwal, who was crowned Femina Miss India World 2024, arrived at the international pageant with a background deeply rooted in storytelling. She has worked extensively in theatre, written plays and pursued acting before taking on the Miss World stage.

Porwal made it to the Top 40 finalists at the competition.

For the finale, she appeared in a stunning blush-pink gown featuring intricate floral details by luxury fashion designer Bhawana Rao. During the competition, Porwal also brought Indian culture and storytelling to the forefront. Her Dances of the World presentation paid tribute to Goddess Meenakshi, with a costume by Torani.

She also made headlines during the pageant for her fashion choices, including a custom gown by Saisha Shinde, inspired by Princess Diana's iconic sapphire engagement ring.

This year's pageant was hosted by reigning Mr World Danny Meja and Miss World 2016 Stephanie Del Valle of Puerto Rico.

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