Miss World 2026: Dominican Republic's Joheirry Mola crowned; emotional winner cries tears of joy; India's Nikita Porwal eliminated

And the wait is over! The world has its Miss World 2026, and Joheirry Mola Dominguez of the Dominican Republic has been crowned Miss World 2026 at the grand finale held in Nha Trang, Vietnam.

Mola emerged victorious after competing against contestants from 111 countries at the international beauty pageant. She succeeded Thailand's Opal Suchata Chuangsri, who crowned her successor at the finale.

Spain's Elisabeth Reynes Alabern was named the first runner-up, while Malaysia's Taanusiya Chetty finished as the second runner-up. The Top 6 finalists also included Eritrea's Snit Habteab, Vietnam's Le Nguyen Bao Ngoc and South Africa's Romanda Hombir.

Who is Joheirry Mola?

Mola, aged 24, is a professional model, teacher and news correspondent from Santo Domingo. She holds a degree in Business Management and Administration from Universidad Iberoamericana and is the founder and president of Voices of Tomorrow, an initiative focused on expanding English education for children and young people in vulnerable communities.

Her social-impact work also played an important role in her Miss World journey. During the final question-and-answer round, Mola spoke about her initiative to provide English-language education to children in vulnerable communities, saying the skill could open new opportunities and doors for their future.

Mola had already secured her place in the Top 40 after winning the Americas and Caribbean segment of the Top Model Challenge. Her performance helped establish her as one of the leading contenders ahead of the final.

Here's where India stood

India's Nikita Porwal has been eliminated from Miss World 2026. While she advanced to the Top 40, the Femina Miss India World 2024 winner failed to make it to the Top 20 at the finale being held in Vietnam.

Taking to Instagram, the Miss India Organisation wrote, "Nikita Porwal concludes her 73rd Miss World journey among the Top 40, continuing India's remarkable streak of placing at five consecutive editions of Miss World."

The post further read, "Nikita, you carried India with grace, conviction and heart on one of the world's biggest stages. From every moment you gave us to every cheer you brought home, thank you for representing us so beautifully. India is proud of you, always."

Before the Top 20 contestants were announced, Nikita Porwal walked the stage wearing a traditional Vietnamese Ao Dai, celebrating the cultural heritage of the host country. "A graceful moment of cultural exchange, respect and togetherness before the competition moved into its next chapter," wrote the Miss India Organisation.

Nikita Porwal's finale look

For the finale night, Nikita Porwal opted to make a statement in a Bhawna Rao creation. It featured a sculpted corset with intricate floral embroidery and hand embellishments. The blooms cascading across the silhouette added drama to the look.

"Thousands of meticulously placed beads and floral details create a soft luminous texture, while the sheer embellished sleeves lend an almost ethereal delicacy to the look," the designer revealed in a post.

The layers of Italian tulle and mermaid structure made her stand out among other contestants. "Rendered in the softest blush palette, the look reflects the grace and gentleness of Indian femininity, while its soul remains rooted in the artistry India has celebrated for generations through hand embroidery, detail and craftsmanship. Soft in colour. Powerful in presence. Indian in spirit," Bhawna Rao added while sharing details of Nikita's outfit.

Who is Nikita Porwal?

Nikita Porwal is the Femina Miss India World 2024 titleholder from Ujjain. She worked as a TV anchor before entering the pageant world. She is also an actor who has featured in Chambal Paar, a Brij-language film that had its Australian premiere at the Araluen Centre during the National Indian Film Festival of Australia and is set to release in India soon.

The Miss World 2026 finale was held in Nha Trang, marking another major international pageant hosted by Vietnam. The next edition of Miss World is scheduled to be held in Tanzania.