A 2nd runner-up and BWAP winner in 2021, Gabriela Botelho returned to claim the crown this time around
On the evening of 31 January, the CAEBS Theatre, in Brazil’s Federal District, hosted the grand final of Miss Brazil World 2026, bringing together 25 candidates from all regions of the country.
After a dynamic competition that included fitness wear, evening gown, and two rounds of interviews, first with the Top 15 semifinalists and later with the Top 6 finalists, the judging panel selected Gabriela Botelho, 25, as the new Miss World Brazil. An entrepreneur and owner of a beachwear brand, Gabriela will now go on to represent Brazil at the 75th anniversary edition of Miss World. She received the crowned from Jessica Pedroso, who still reigns as Miss World Americas.
Representing Sergipe, though originally from Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Gabriela impressed the judges with her elegance, communication skills, and strong social commitment.
Prior to the final night, all candidates presented their social projects to the judges and competed in the Talent challenge.
Larissa Galvão, the Beauty With a Purpose Brazil winner, and Leticia Frota, Brazil’s BWAP coordinator.The Beauty With a Purpose award was won by Larissa Galvão (Espírito Santo) for her impactful project supporting women affected by domestic violence.
The Talent Award was claimed by Cecília Nóbrega (Pará), whose dancing performance stood out among the delegates.
Miss World Brazil 2026 Court included:
Miss World Brazil Gabriela Botelho and the runner-ups.• 2nd place & Miss North Region: Cecília Nóbrega (Pará)
• 3rd place & Miss Southeast Region: Carol Farias (Rio de Janeiro)
• 4th place: Larissa Galvão (Espírito Santo)
• 5th place & Miss Central-West Region: Maria Vitória Rondon (Mato Grosso)
• 6th place & People’s Choice Winner: Karine Stella Cardoso (Rio de Janeiro Capital)
The regional winners with the new Miss World Brazil. Additional regional titles were awarded to Camilly Ceccon (Santa Catarina) as Miss South Region, and Erivânia Izídio (Pernambuco) as Miss Northeast Region.
The Miss Congeniality title, voted by the candidates themselves, went to Giovanna Starling (Minas Gerais).
The event was hosted by Juliano Crema and Gabriele Torbis, with the official announcement of the winner made by João Ricardo Camilo, CNB director.
Miss World Brazil winners from 2023-24, Leticia Frota, 2026, Gabriela Botelho, Jessica Pedroso, 2025, and Caroline Teixeira, 2021-22.Gabriela Botelho’s journey within the Miss World Brazil system began in 2021, when she represented Espírito Santo, finishing third overall and also winning Beauty With a Purpose, a distinction that already highlighted her dedication to social impact.
In her first interview as Miss Brazil World 2026, Gabriela reaffirmed her commitment to actively supporting social projects, visiting different Brazilian states, and strengthening the initiatives developed by fellow candidates. For Beauty With a Purpose, she will be coordinated by Leticia Frota.
Miss World Brazil with CNB directors Juliano Crema (president), João Ricardo Camilo, Mayck Carvalho and Miro Sampaio.Interestingly, although representing Sergipe, Gabriela follows a historical parallel: Maria Isabel de Avellar Elias, Miss Sergipe who represented Brazil at Miss World in 1964, was also originally from Minas Gerais.
With the crown now hers, Gabriela Botelho will represent Brazil at the 73rd Miss World Festival, whose host city and dates will be announced soon, as the competition prepares to celebrate its landmark 75th anniversary.
Photos: Renato Braga / Miss World Brazil
