Miss Universe 2024 crown goes to Victoria Kjær Theilvig of ...

Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark has been crowned Miss Universe, marking the first time a Dane has won the crown.

Ms Kjaer Theilvig, an animal protection advocate and aspiring lawyer, beat out Miss Nigeria at the end of 73rd edition of the competition in Mexico City.

Miss Mexico placed third.

It is the first time a Danish contestant has won Miss Universe.

Miss Nigeria Chidimma Adetshina, Miss Mexico Maria Fernanda Beltran and Miss Denmark Victoria Kjaer Theilvig were the top three finalists.  (Reuters: Raquel Cunha)

Australia was represented by Zoe Creed this year, who missed out on a place in the top 30 finalists.

This year marked the first time in Miss Universe's 72-year history that women aged over 28 were allowed to compete.

More than 25 of the 120 contestants who reached the finals were older than what would have been allowed in previous years.

Malta's Beatrice Njoya became the first women in her 40s to reach the pageant's finale.

According to the Times of Malta, the single mother of three is a domestic violence survivor.

"When you reach a certain age, society wants to tell you what to wear and how to behave," she told the publication.

"If something is your dream, you can still find time for it and be a good mum or a good wife.

"Motherhood — or being married — should never stop you from following your dreams."

Beatrice Njoya made history as the first woman aged over 40 to compete in the Miss Universe finals.  (Instagram: Miss Universe Malta)

The pageant was held in the Mexico City Arena, an indoor venue with a capacity for 20,000 people.

Supporters inside shouted and waved flags from countries around the world.

It began with 131 mariachi musicians and singer Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas playing Mexicana, a song created by Emilio Estefan for the contest.

The gala was hosted by Mario López, Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo, presenter Zuri Hall and Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray.

Organisers said there were more than 120 contestants.

This year some countries were represented for the first time, such as Belarus, Eritrea, Guinea, Macau, Maldives, Moldova and Uzbekistan.

This is the third time that Mexico has hosted Miss Universe.

Perhaps the most talked about aspect of the Miss Universe pageant is its National Costume Show, which is actually held days before the finale.

This event is where contestants showcase a costume that represents their home countries.

Ms Creed wore a crimson braided gown by Australian designer Youkhana and headpiece by Atelier Eight, inspired by the waratah flower.

"This design captures the bold, intricate beauty of the native bloom, symbolizing strength, resilience, and pride for Australians," Youkhana wrote.

"The Waratah is known for its vibrant crimson colour and enduring qualities, often representing the spirit of the Australian landscape and its people."

Here's a quick wrap of some of the other national costumes.

Miss Argentina Magali Benejam sported a sequined toucan.  (Reuters: Raquel Cunha)

Miss Bolivia Juliana Barrientos' costume took inspiration from wild birds.  (Reuters: Raquel Cunha)

Miss Brazil Luana Cavalcant's costume highlights her nation's wealth of precious stones: diamonds and crystals.   (Reuters: Raquel Cunha)

Miss Canada Ashley Callingbull represented the strength of her nation's indigenous people with a galaxy-themed ball gown.  (Reuters: Raquel Cunha)

Miss Czech Republic Marie Danci's costume drew inspiration from her nation's rich craft tradition of gingerbread making.    (Reuters: Raquel Cunha)

Miss Japan Kaya Chakrabortty skated onstage to represent harmony between nature and culture with her national costume.  (Raquel Cunha)

Miss Kenya Irene Mukii honoured her nation's legacy of long distance athletes.    (Reuters: Raquel Cunha)

Miss Malta Beatrice Njoya wore a maritime-themed costume.   (Instagram: Miss Universe Malta)

Miss Mexico Maria Fernanda Beltran honoured her country's indigenous roots.  (Reuters: Raquel Cunha)

We suspect Katy Perry's Firework was on repeat in Miss United States Alma Cooper's playlist ahead of the pageant.  (Reuters: Raquel Cunha)

Miss Vietnam Ky Duyen made it rain confetti.    (Reuters: Raquel Cunha)

ABC/AP