(UPDATED) South Africa's bet, Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, is the new Miss Universe.
Nel-Peters bested 92 contestants during the coronation night held on Sunday (Monday, Philippine time) at The Axis theater in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Laura Gonzalez of Colombia and Davina Bennett of Jamaica were first and second runners up, respectively.
During the final question and answer portion, Nel-Peters was asked about what qualities about her that she is most proud of and how will she apply that quality to her time as Miss Universe.
She answered: "As Miss Universe, you have to be confident in who you are as an individual, and Miss Universe is a woman that has overcome many fears. And by that, she is able to help other women overcome their fears. She is a woman that is nothing is ever too much to ask for. And I think that is exactly who I am."
The newly-crowned Miss Universe 2017 dedicated her win to South Africa, which finally bagged the crown after 39 years.
In a press conference, Nel-Peters thanked her fellow South Africans for the undying support throughout the pageant.
"I hope I've made you proud, and I hope to be a perfect representation of what a South African woman is. I can't say Thank You enough for all the support that I have received this evening," she said.
She said she hoped to resolve her country's water drought problem, particularly in her place Cape Town, during her reign.
The 22-year-old beauty aims to advocate her newly-launched campaign, which is about empowering South African women with skills and knowledge in handling difficult situations like kidnapping, hijacking, carnapping, and robbery.
Nel-Peters also shared her closeness to Philippines’ bet Rachel Peters, whom she shares the same surname.
"I'm so happy I got to experience this whole journey with her," she said.
When asked about the first thing she would do as soon as she returns to her country, she said: “Well... beside from giving my friends and family big hugs, I would love to eat barbecue. I love foods."
The 22-year-old Nel-Peters has earned a yearlong salary and a luxury apartment in New York City for the duration of her reign and more prizes.
Rachel ended her pageant journey after failing to enter top 5.
This year's edition of Miss Universe had the most contestants ever.
Last year, Iris Mittenaere from France was crowned when the pageant took place in the Philippines. (USC AB Communications Interns Erica Jill Dancel and Lawrice Glee Eltagonde/AP/SunStar Philippines)