Miss Universe Puerto Rico

Main article: Miss Puerto Rico

Miss Universe Puerto Rico
AbbreviationMUPR
Formation1952 (1952)
Founded atSan Juan
TypeWoman's beauty pageant
Headquarters
Location
MembershipMiss Universe
Official language
  • Spanish
  • English
Owner Hemisphere Media Group WAPA-TV
National director
Yizette Cifredo
Awards5 Miss Universe titles:
1970, 1985, 1993, 2001, 2006
Websitemuniversepr.com
RemarksSe corona una, ganan todas (One is crowned, they all win)[1]

Miss Universe Puerto Rico is a beauty pageant and organization in Puerto Rico. Established in 1952, it is responsible for selecting and preparing the delegate representing the archipelago and island in the international competition of Miss Universe, one of the Big Four beauty pageants.

Since 2018, the Miss Universe franchise in Puerto Rico is owned by the media conglomerate Hemisphere Media Group as the "Miss Universe Puerto Rico" pageant and organization. It is based in the headquarters of the subsidiary WAPA-TV, which broadcasts the final night of the pageant live from the Luis A. Ferré Performing Arts Center in San Juan, the capital municipality of Puerto Rico. Under the motto "Se corona una, ganan todas" (One is crowned, they all win), Yizette Cifredo, a television host, motivational speaker, writer, and former beauty queen, heads the pageant and organization as national director.[2][1]

The reigning Miss Universe Puerto Rico is Zashely Alicea of Dorado, who was crowned on August 14, 2025, in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

History

From 1952 to 1995, the Miss Universe franchise in Puerto Rico was held by the businesswoman in the modeling and beauty industry Anna Santisteban, who operated it under the name of "Miss Puerto Rico." From 1996 to 1998, the television station Telemundo Puerto Rico acquired the franchise, naming it "Miss Universe Puerto Rico."

From 1999 to 2002, the television station TeleOnce obtained the franchise, organizing it under the name of "Miss Puerto Rico Universe." From 2003 to 2009, Magali Febles, a beautician working with the delegates of Puerto Rico since the early 1990s, held the franchise, operating it under the same name. From 2010 to 2017, Luisito Vigoreaux and Desireé Lowry, Miss Universe Puerto Rico 1995, held the franchise under the name of "Miss Universe Puerto Rico."[3]

Since 2018, the franchise is owned by the media conglomerate Hemisphere Media Group. The organization is based in the headquarters of subsidiary WAPA-TV, which is the broadcaster of the pageant.[4] Denise Quiñones, Miss Universe 2001, served as director from 2018 to 2021, when TV host, motivational speaker, writer, and former beauty queen Yizette Cifredo took over the role.[5][2] In 2025, Hemisphere Media Group signed a multi-year contract with the Miss Universe Organization, extending its ownership over the franchise and broadcast rights of Miss Universe in Puerto Rico for 5 years, until 2030.[6]

Selection

Traditionally, the castings of contestants for Miss Universe Puerto Rico begin in February. Representing a municipality, the delegates undergo months of training as part of the Heel Camp program, a series of comprehensive workshops led by various experts that focus on image, stage presence, communication, emotional intelligence, social service, leadership, and female empowerment.[7][8]The prerecorded preliminary and live final night of the pageant are usually held in August. The winner of the title of Miss Puerto Rico Universe continues to be prepared under the Heel Camp program until she goes to compete in the international competition of Miss Universe, generally held in November.

Host

Further information: List of Miss Universe editions

The Miss Universe franchise in Puerto Rico has hosted or is scheduled to host the following editions of the international competition:

Year Pageant Edition Location Venue
1972 Miss Universe 21st Dorado, Puerto Rico Cerromar Beach Hotel
2001 50th Bayamón, Puerto Rico Coliseo Rubén Rodríguez
2002 51th San Juan, Puerto Rico Roberto Clemente Coliseum
2026 75th José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum

In 1972, Puerto Rico became the first area outside the contiguous United States to host Miss Universe, making it the first country or territory in Latin America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania to host the pageant. In 2001, Puerto Rico became the first participating country or territory—and only one as of 2025—to win the international title of Miss Universe as a host.

Titleholders

This list includes the name, municipality, and international placement of the Miss Universe Puerto Rico titleholders in ascending order from the inaugural edition of the competition in 1952 to the present. The titleholders are divided by the franchise holder under which they won the title.

Color key
  •   : Miss Universe winner
  •   : Finalist in Top 3/5/6
  •   : Semifinalist in Top 9/10/12
  •   : Quarterfinalist in Top 13/15/16/20/21/30
  •   : Special awards winner

Miss Universe Puerto Rico
(2018–present)

Since 2018, the media conglomerate Hemisphere Media Group is the holder of the Miss Universe franchise under the name of "Miss Universe Puerto Rico." The organization and pageant has its headquarters at the subsidiary WAPA TV.

Year Municipality represented Miss Universe Puerto Rico Performance in
Miss Universe
Placement Special
award(s)
2025 Dorado Zashely Nicole Alicea Rivera[9] Top 12
2024 Orocovis Jennifer Colón Alvarado[10] Top 12
2023 Patillas Karla Inelisse Guilfú Acevedo[11] Top 5 Voice For Change (Gold Winner)
2022 Fajardo Ashley Ann Cariño Barreto[12] Top 5
2021 Loíza Michelle Marie Colón Ramírez[13] Top 10
2020 San Sebastián Estefanía Natalia Soto Torres[a] Top 10
2019 Toa Baja Madison Sara Anderson Berríos[14] 1st Runner-Up
2018 Rincón Kiara Liz Ortega Delgado[15] Top 5

Miss Universe Puerto Rico
(2010–2017)

From 2010 to 2017, Luisito Vigoreaux and Desiree Lowry, Miss Universe Puerto Rico 1995, held the Miss Universe franchise under the name of "Miss Universe Puerto Rico."

Year Municipality represented Miss Universe Puerto Rico Performance in
Miss Universe
Placement Special
award(s)
2017 San Juan Danyeshka "Danna" Hernández Valentín Unplaced
2016 Aguadilla Brenda Azaria Jiménez Hernández Unplaced
Isabela Kristhielee Yinaira Caride Santiago Succeeded by first runner-up after dethronement due to failed press obligations
2015 Guaynabo Catalina Morales Gómez Unplaced
2014 Toa Baja Gabriela Berríos Pagán Unplaced Miss Photogenic
2013 Arecibo Monic Marie Pérez Díaz Top 16
2012 Río Grande Bodine Koehler Peña Unplaced
2011 Corozal Viviana Ortiz Pastrana Top 16
2010 Río Grande Mariana Paola Vicente Morales Top 10

Miss Puerto Rico Universe
(2003–2009)

From 2003 to 2009, Magali Febles, a beautician working with the delegates of Puerto Rico since the early 1990s, held the Miss Universe franchise under the name of "Miss Puerto Rico Universe."

Year Municipality represented Miss Puerto Rico Universe Performance in
Miss Universe
Placement Special
award(s)
2009 Cabo Rojo Mayra Matos Pérez 4th Runner-Up
2008 Dorado Ingrid Marie Rivera Santos Unplaced
2007 Guayanilla Wilmadilis "Uma" Blasini Pérez Unplaced
2006 Salinas Zuleyka Jerrís Rivera Mendoza Miss Universe 2006
2005 Salinas Cynthia Enid Olavarría Rivera 1st Runner-Up
2004 Cidra Alba Giselle Reyes Santos 2nd Runner-Up Miss Photogenic
2003 Vieques Carla Tricoli Rodríguez Unplaced Miss Photogenic

Miss Puerto Rico Universe
(1999–2002)

From 1999 to 2002, the television station TeleOnce held the Miss Universe franchise under the name of "Miss Puerto Rico Universe."

Year Municipality represented Miss Puerto Rico Universe Performance in
Miss Universe
Placement Special
award(s)
2002 Utuado Isis Marie Casalduc González Unplaced Miss Photogenic
2001 Lares Denise Marie Quiñones August Miss Universe 2001 Miss Photogenic
2000 Guaynabo Zoraida Isabel Fonalledas Ferraiouli Unplaced
1999 Lares Brenda Liz López Ramos Top 10 Miss Photogenic

Miss Universe Puerto Rico
(1996–1998)

From 1996 to 1998, the television station Telemundo Puerto Rico held the Miss Universe franchise under the name of "Miss Universe Puerto Rico."

Year Municipality represented Miss Universe Puerto Rico Performance in
Miss Universe
Placement Special
award(s)
1998 Aguas Buenas Joyce Marie Giraud Mojica 2nd Runner-Up
1997 San Juan Ana Rosa Brito Suárez Top 10
1996 Toa Alta Sarybel Velilla Cabeza Unplaced

Miss Puerto Rico (1952–1995)

From 1952 to 1995, the businesswoman in the modeling and beauty industry Anna Santisteban held the Miss Universe franchise under the name of "Miss Puerto Rico."

Year Municipality represented Miss
Puerto Rico 		Performance in
Miss Universe
Placement Special
award(s)
1995 Corozal Desiree Lowry Rodríguez Top 6
1994 Isabela Brenda Esther Robles Cortés Unplaced
1993 Toa Alta Dayanara Torres Delgado Miss Universe 1993
1992 Bayamón Daisy García Rodríguez Unplaced
1991 Toa Alta Lizzette Marie Bouret Echevarría Unplaced
1990 Guaynabo Maria Luisa Fortuño Cosimi Unplaced
1989 Salinas Catalina María Villar Ruiz Unplaced
1988 Guaynabo Isabel Maria Pardo Cubeñas Unplaced
1987 San Juan Laurie Tamara Simpson Rivera 4th Runner-Up
1986 San Germán Elizabeth Robison Latalladi Top 10
1985 San Juan Deborah Fátima Carthy-Deu Miss Universe 1985
1984 Mayagüez Sandra Beauchamp Roche Unplaced
1983 Trujillo Alto Carmen Batíz Vergara Unplaced
1982 Juncos Lourdes Milagros Mantero Hormazábal Unplaced
1981 Guaynabo Carmen Lotti Rodríguez Unplaced
1980 Caguas Agnes Tañón Correa Top 12
1979 Mayagüez Teresa "Tere" López Hernández Unplaced
1978 San Juan Ada Cecille Perkins Flores Unplaced
1977 Ponce Maria Del Mar Rivera Veglio Unplaced
1976 Salinas Elizabeth Zayas Ortiz Unplaced
1975 San Germán Lorell Del Carmen Carmona Juan Unplaced
1974 San Juan Sonia María Stege Chardón Top 12
1973 Orocovis Gladys Vanessa Colón Díaz Unplaced
1972 Santurce Bárbara Torres Viñolo Unplaced
1971 San Juan Idalia Margarita "Beba" Franco Cantino 3rd Runner-Up
1970 Santurce Marisol Malaret Contreras Miss Universe 1970
1969 Río Piedras Aida Betancourt Unplaced
1968 Santurce Marylene Carrasquillo Unplaced
1967 Fajardo Ivonne Coll Mendoza Unplaced
1966 Santurce Carol Bajandas Unplaced
1965 Caguas Gloria Cobián Díaz Unplaced
1964 San Juan Yolanda Rodríguez Machín Unplaced
1963 Ponce Jeanette Biascoechea Unplaced
1962 San Juan Ana Celia Sosa Unplaced
1961 San Juan Enid Del Valle Unplaced
1960 Absent
1959
1958
1957 Ponce Mapita Mercado Cordero Unplaced Miss Congeniality
1956 San Lorenzo Paquita Vivo Unplaced
1955 Trujillo Alto Carmen Laura Betancourt Unplaced
1954 San Juan Lucy Santiago Unplaced
1953 San Juan Wanda Irizarry Unplaced
1952 Lares Marilia Levy Bernal Unplaced

Rankings

Further information: Miss Puerto Rico, List of Miss Universe editions, List of Miss Universe titleholders, and List of Miss Universe runners-up and finalists

Placements in Miss Universe

This list includes the placements, unplacements, and absences of Miss Universe Puerto Rico in the international competition.

Placement Total Year
Miss Universe 5 1970, 1985, 1993, 2001, 2006
1st Runner-up 2 2005, 2019
2nd Runner-up 2 1998, 2004
3rd Runner-up 1 1971
4th Runner-up 2 1987, 2009
Top 5/6 4 1995, 2018, 2022, 2023
Top 9/10/12 10 1974, 1980, 1986, 1997, 1999, 2010, 2020, 2021, 2024, 2025
Top 13/15/16/20/21/30 2 2011, 2013
Total 28
Unplaced 43 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1996, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
Absent 3 1958, 1959, 1960
Total 74

Placement streaks in Miss Universe

This list includes the placement streaks, or continuous placements lasting at least three years, of Miss Universe Puerto Rico in the international competition.

Duration Total Placements
2018–ongoing 8 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
2009–2011 3 2009, 2010, 2011
2003–2006 2004, 2005, 2006
1997–1999 1997, 1998, 1999
1985–1987 1985, 1986, 1987

Titleholders by municipality represented

This list includes the titleholders of Miss Universe Puerto Rico by the municipality they represented in the national competition.

City Title Year
San Juan 12 1953, 1954, 1961, 1962, 1964, 1971, 1974, 1978, 1985, 1987, 1997, 2017
Guaynabo 5 1981, 1988, 1990, 2000, 2015
Salinas 4 1976, 1989, 2005, 2006
Santurce 1966, 1968, 1970, 1972
Lares 3 1952, 1999, 2001
Toa Alta 1991, 1993, 1996
Ponce 1957, 1963, 1977
Dorado 2 2008, 2025
Orocovis 1973, 2024
Fajardo 1967, 2022
Toa Baja 2014, 2019
Isabela 1994, 2016[b]
Río Grande 2010, 2012
Corozal 1995, 2011
San Germán 1975, 1986
Mayagüez 1979, 1984
Trujillo Alto 1955, 1983
Caguas 1965, 1980
Patillas 1 2023
Loíza 2021
San Sebastián 2020
Rincón 2018
Aguadilla 2016[b]
Arecibo 2013
Cabo Rojo 2009
Guayanilla 2007
Cidra 2004
Vieques 2003
Utuado 2002
Aguas Buenas 1998
Bayamón 1992
Juncos 1982
Río Piedras 1969
San Lorenzo 1956

See also

Notes

  1. ^ Due to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic, the First Runner-up of 2019 was appointed as Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2020.
  2. ^ a b The representative of the municipality of Isabela won the title of Miss Univese Puerto Rico in 2016. However, after her dethronement, the first runner-up, who was the representative of Aguadilla, assumed the title.

References

  1. ^ a b Rodriguez, Genesis (2024-11-15). "Miss Universe reconoce a Yizette Cifredo con premio "Beyond The Crown" Miss Universe Puerto Rico". Retrieved 2025-09-13.
  2. ^ a b Candelaria, Mónika (2022-03-29). "Bajo nueva gerencia el Miss Universe Puerto Rico". WAPA.TV (in Spanish). Retrieved 2025-08-26.
  3. ^ "Miss Universo le quita franquicia de Miss Universe P. R. A Desireé Lowry".
  4. ^ "Hemisphere Media adquiere los derechos exclusivos de Miss Universo Puerto Rico". www.thedailytelevision.com (in Spanish). 2018-02-16. Retrieved 2025-10-31.
  5. ^ "Denise Quiñones será directora de franquicia MUPR".
  6. ^ Rodriguez, Genesis (2025-01-16). "Con fecha las audiciones de Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2025 | Miss Universe Puerto Rico". Retrieved 2025-09-13.
  7. ^ Rodriguez, Genesis (2025-01-16). "Con fecha las audiciones de Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2025 | Miss Universe Puerto Rico". Retrieved 2025-09-13.
  8. ^ "Heel Camp | Miss Universe Puerto Rico". Retrieved 2025-09-13.
  9. ^ "De Dorado la nueva Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2025". El Nuevo Día. Retrieved 2025-08-15.
  10. ^ Vida, Por Jomar José Rivera CedeñoPeriodista de Entretenimiento y Estilos de (2024-06-28). "Miss Orocovis, Jennifer Colón, se corona como Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2024". El Nuevo Día (in Spanish). Retrieved 2025-09-13.
  11. ^ "Miss Patillas, Karla Inelisse Guilfú Acevedo, se corona como Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2023". El Nuevo Día (in Spanish). Retrieved 25 August 2023.
  12. ^ "Miss Fajardo, Ashley Ann Cariño Barreto, se corona como Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2022". El Nuevo Día (in Spanish). August 12, 2022. Retrieved August 12, 2022.
  13. ^ "Así brilló Miss Loíza, Michelle Colón, en Miss Universe Puerto Rico". El Nuevo Día (in Spanish). October 1, 2021. Retrieved October 1, 2021.
  14. ^ "Madison Anderson to represent Puerto Rico in Miss Universe 2019". HOLA! USA. 2019-06-13. Retrieved 2025-09-13.
  15. ^ "¿Quién es la nueva Miss Universe Puerto Rico?". Primera Hora (in Spanish). 2018-09-21. Retrieved 2025-09-13.
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