73rd Miss Universe format

 No evening gown category in Miss Universe 2024 prelims

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte

For the first time in its 73-year history, the Miss Universe pageant will scrap out the evening gown category from the preliminary competition. The candidates will compete in the swimsuit and national costume categories instead. The latter category, though an integral part of the Miss Universe competition, has always been a non-competition segment until now.

In an interview, Miss Universe Organization co-owner Raul Rocha confirmed that there will be 130 delegates this year. The contest will have a 19-day pre-pageant calendar. Candidates will be divided into groups and will visit various tourist destinations in and around Mexico, including Cancun.

The Deloitte Company will be editing the results of the competition. 

The format of the 73rd Miss Universe edition will be the same as that of the Miss Universe Mexico pageant, wherein there will be 16 semifinalists that will be drastically cut to a Top 5.

Rocha owns half of the MUO, with the other half belonging to the JKN Group of Thai entrepreneur Anne Jakrajutatip. 

The Miss Universe 2024 preliminaries will happen on Nov 16, while the coronation night unveils on Nov 19.