With Rachel Gupta’s sudden departure from the Miss Grand International throne, all eyes are now on her first runner-up — CJ Opiaza of Castillejos, Zambales.
Gupta, who made history as the first Indian to win the crown in October 2024, stepped down in May 2025, citing “broken promises, mistreatment and a toxic environment” within the organization.
In the wake of this controversy, pageant observers and fans alike are rallying behind CJ — not just because she’s next in line, but because she’s demonstrated she has everything it takes to wear the crown.
Here’s why CJ’s the queen MGI has been waiting for:
She started strong at Miss Grand Philippines
CJ Opiaza made an unforgettable impact when she was crowned Miss Grand Philippines 2024 on Sept. 29 at Newport World Resorts. She bested 19 other hopefuls and swept multiple special awards (Best in Swimsuit, Miss Photogenic and Miss Multimedia), a triple win that set the tone for her reign.
She brought her A-Game to the international stage
CJ’s performance at Miss Grand International 2024 in Thailand was nothing short of crown-worthy. During the preliminary competition, she turned heads in a gold bikini and hoodie, confidently facing off with Peru’s representative in a now-iconic pose-off.
She slayed the evening gown segment twice
In the prelims, CJ donned a yellow-orange gown with a cape by Ryan Uson, inspired by Thai royalty and adorned with Swarovski crystals. Come coronation night, she switched to a low-cut silver sequin gown with a flowy white cape by Mak Tumang, looking every inch the modern Filipina queen.
Her Q&A was grounded and powerful
When asked about the world’s most critical issue, CJ chose war and violence, a heavy subject she handled with grace and sincerity.
“We live in the same world, we breathe the same air… Treat one another as your brothers and sisters,” she said.
She’s a changemaker
Together with her sister and fellow beauty queen Ky Opiaza, CJ led a charity event for rescued dogs and cats under their initiative “Cultivating Journey and Passion for Joy.” They raised food, supplies and awareness for The Homeless Dog Shelter.
She earned the MGI president’s attention
After making it to the Top 10 of the challenge, Miss Grand Philippines CJ Opiaza earned a special dinner with the Miss Grand International president, a reward given to the candidates who placed in the Top 10 of the voting round.
She has the heart of a queen (with or without the crown)
Whether or not the Miss Grand International crown is officially passed on, CJ has already shown she’s everything a queen should be: driven and grounded. Should she be crowned, it would be a well-deserved recognition of a journey defined by growth.