20 Miss Universe contestants who made history during the 2024 pageant

• Multiple contestants made history at the 73rd Miss Universe competition on Saturday.
• Countries such as North Macedonia and the Maldives made their competition debut.
• This year also featured the oldest-ever contestant and the first to wear a hijab in the pageant.

Miss Universe came back bigger than ever.

This year, 125 women competed for the iconic crown — 41 more contestants than in 2023.

Some countries, like Cuba and Samoa, returned to the Miss Universe stage after a long hiatus, while others made their grand debut.

The 2024 competition also featured the oldest-ever Miss Universe contestant and the first contestant to wear a hijab in the pageant.

Here’s a look at all the women who made history on this year’s stage.