The AXIS theater in Las Vegas was filled with 92 women from various countries on Sunday night, Nov. 26, all hoping to obtain the position as Miss Universe.

The contestants competed in different portions of the competition including introduction, swimsuit, formal gown, and question and answer. After each round of the competition was over, many of the contestants were eliminated; this continued until there were only three women remaining. The contestants that made it to the final round included Miss Colombia, Laura González, Miss Jamaica, Davina Bennett and Miss South Africa, Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters. Nel-Peters took the title of Miss Universe, the second time Miss South Africa has won, the first being in 1956.

The judges critique the contestants on confidence, grace, values and authenticity. Nel-Peters seemed to demonstrate a strong amount of confidence as she walked in her gold gown across the floor. She also won the judges over when she explained her plan to help train women in self-defense, after her personal experience of being held at gunpoint. In her question and answer portion she voiced her opinion on women’s pay in the workforce.

“In some places, women get paid 75 percent of what men earn for doing the same job, working the same hours — and I do not believe that this is right,” said Nel-Peters. “I think we should have equal work for equal pay for women all over the world.”

Along with her crown, Nel-Peters received an apartment in New York City and a year long salary. She will also spend the upcoming year travelling the globe to raise awareness and funds regarding self-defense.