You've probably seen the clips. A sea of flags in the Arena CDMX, the tension in the air, and that final, breathless moment when the crown changed hands. If you’re looking to watch Miss Universe 2024, you aren't just looking for a beauty pageant. You're looking for the night Denmark finally broke its decades-long dry spell.
Honestly, the energy in Mexico City was something else entirely.
The 73rd edition of this global phenomenon wasn't just another show. It was a record-breaking spectacle with 125 countries represented. That’s the most in the history of the pageant. Ever. For those of us who grew up watching these shows on a fuzzy TV screen, the shift to high-definition streaming on platforms like The Roku Channel and Telemundo has changed the game. But if you missed the live broadcast on November 16, 2024, don't worry. You can still catch the magic.
Where to Find the Best Replays
Let’s get straight to the point. If you want to watch Miss Universe 2024 right now, the most reliable spot is the official Miss Universe YouTube channel. They’ve uploaded the full three-hour broadcast. It’s free. No weird subscription hurdles.
In the United States, The Roku Channel held the exclusive English-language streaming rights for the live event. If you have a Roku device or the app, the replay is often tucked away in their "Live TV" or "Special Events" section. For Spanish speakers, Telemundo was the place to be, and their app usually keeps the highlights and full show available for a limited window after the crowning.
Wait, why does the replay matter so much?
Because the "Big Five" final moments were some of the most competitive we’ve seen in years. You have to see Victoria Kjær Theilvig’s walk. The poise was incredible.
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Why Victoria’s Win Was a Big Deal
Victoria Kjær Theilvig from Denmark didn't just win; she made history. She became the first Danish woman to ever wear the Miss Universe crown.
It had been twenty years since a blonde contestant won the title, a fact that pageant enthusiasts on Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) were quick to point out. Victoria is a 21-year-old animal protection advocate and diamond salesperson. She stood out not just for her look, but for her answer during the final Q&A. When asked how she would live differently if she knew no one was judging her, she basically told the world to never stop fighting for what they believe in.
It sounded authentic. It didn't feel like a rehearsed "world peace" script.
The Moments People Are Still Talking About
If you decide to watch Miss Universe 2024 for the first time, keep an eye on the Top 5. It was a powerhouse lineup:
- Denmark (Victoria Kjær Theilvig) - The Winner.
- Nigeria (Chidimma Adetshina) - 1st Runner-Up. Her story was wild—she actually had to withdraw from Miss South Africa due to a controversy over her heritage before winning Miss Universe Nigeria.
- Mexico (María Fernanda Beltrán) - 2nd Runner-Up. The hometown favorite. The roar from the crowd when she stepped out was deafening.
- Thailand (Suchata Chuangsri) - 3rd Runner-Up.
- Venezuela (Ileana Márquez) - 4th Runner-Up. A historic contestant herself as the first mother to represent Venezuela at the pageant.
The diversity this year was staggering. We saw debuts from Belarus, Eritrea, Guinea, and even an inaugural representative from Persia (Iran). It’s clear the organization is trying to shed the old "cookie-cutter" image. They even removed age limits this year, though the winner remained in the traditional age bracket.
The Production Value in Mexico City
Mexico knows how to host. The Arena CDMX was packed with 20,000 people. Mario Lopez and Olivia Culpo returned to host, and they’ve got this down to a science now.
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But the music? That was the secret sauce.
Robin Thicke performed, and the legendary Emilio Estefan curated the musical lineup. It felt less like a stiff competition and more like a high-end concert. If you’re skip-watching the replay, at least watch the National Costume show. The Philippines (Chelsea Manalo) won Best National Costume, and the intricate details on these outfits are basically wearable art.
How to Avoid Spoilers While Searching
Kinda hard to do now that the news is everywhere, right?
If you truly want the "live" experience, go straight to the YouTube "Live" tab on the Miss Universe channel. Avoid the comments section like the plague. There’s always that one person who posts the winner's name in all caps in the first five seconds.
For the best quality, make sure you're watching at 1080p. The stage lighting in Mexico City was intense, and lower resolutions just don't do the evening gown segment justice. Those gowns—especially Nigeria’s and Venezuela’s—have beadwork that you can only really appreciate in HD.
What Most People Get Wrong About the New Rules
There’s a lot of chatter about how "anybody can enter now."
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While it’s true that age limits are gone and mothers can compete, the level of preparation hasn't dropped. If anything, it’s harder. These women are entrepreneurs, pilots, and activists. Victoria herself is a dancer and a business owner. When you watch Miss Universe 2024, you’re seeing the result of years of "pageant patty" training being replaced by genuine personality and career grit.
Actionable Tips for the Ultimate Viewing Experience
If you're planning a watch party or just catching up on a Sunday afternoon, here is how to get the most out of it:
- Skip the fluff: The first 20 minutes are mostly introductions. If you're short on time, jump straight to the Top 30 announcement.
- Focus on the Q&A: This is where the 2024 crown was won. The top 5 were all so close that the final answers were the only thing separating them.
- Check the "Voice for Change" videos: These are separate from the main telecast but give you the "why" behind the contestants. It makes the crowning moment feel way more earned.
- Use a VPN if you're blocked: Some regions have licensing restrictions on YouTube. If the video says "not available in your country," a quick switch to a US or Thailand server usually fixes it.
The 2024 pageant proved that the "Miss Universe" brand still has a massive pulse. It’s no longer just about a sash; it’s about a platform. Victoria’s reign is already off to a fast start, and seeing the moment her life changed is worth the three-hour runtime.
Go to the official Miss Universe YouTube channel, search for the 73rd Miss Universe Full Show, and set aside an evening. It’s a masterclass in production and a genuine piece of history for Denmark.
Once you've finished the main show, look up the "Preliminary Competition" video from November 14th to see the 95+ contestants who didn't make the final cut—some of those national costumes are even crazier than the ones in the finals.