Who was the first Miss Universe?

The title of Miss Universe was first held by Armi Kuusela in 1952. The Finnish contestant was invited to participate in the first-ever Miss Universe pageant after winning her country's national beauty pageant, Suomen Neito. Kuusela chose to relinquish her crown in May 1953 to get married.

Since Kuusela's win in 1952, there has been a new Miss Universe crowned yearly. As of 2015, there have been 64 winners from 34 different countries. The first pageant had only 30 contestants, but more countries have joined; the 2014 Miss Universe Pageant had 86 contestants. The United States has won the most Miss Universe titles, with eight winning contestants.