Featured image: Screenshot / MUC
Antea Mršić from Zagreb was crowned the new Miss Universe Croatia 2026 winner during the grand finale of the pageant’s 30th anniversary edition, held at Hotel Esplanade Zagreb on Monday evening.
Antea will represent Croatia at the 75th edition of the Miss Universe competition, which will take place this November in Puerto Rico.
The crown was handed over to her by last year’s Croatian representative, Laura Gnjatović from Zadar, who represented Croatia at the 2025 global competition in Thailand.
From sport management to Miss Universe Croatia 2026
The new Miss Universe Croatia 2026 is 24 years old, graduated in Sports Management and Sports Activities Management from Libertas University in Zagreb and currently works professionally for a basketball club. During her public introduction, she said that sport and education helped her develop discipline, teamwork and perseverance, qualities she considers an important part of her personal growth.
Outside of sport, she enjoys travelling and discovering different cultures, while one of the main focuses of her future role will be projects supporting children and young people.
“As Miss Universe Croatia 2026, I would like to dedicate myself to projects that encourage children and young people to participate in sports, especially those who do not have equal opportunities, because I believe sport can positively influence their development and self-confidence,” Antea said after her victory.
A glamorous finale in Zagreb
Monika Vojvodić from Zadar was named first runner-up, Laura Vujica from Zadar second runner-up, Beata Šimat from Murter third runner-up, while Magdalena Fofić from Sesvete became fourth runner-up. The Miss Congeniality title went to Magdalena Kovačić from Karlovac.
During the evening, the finalists appeared in evening and cocktail dresses by Bariba, Pletix swimwear and Humanic shoes, while make-up and hairstyling were provided by the Profokus College team and Studio Ivana from Sesvete in collaboration with Schwarzkopf Professional and Aura Cosmetics.
This year’s finale was also attended by several former Miss Universe Croatia titleholders, including Ivana Delač, Ivana Mišura Vlaović, Mia Pojatina, Andrea Erjavec and Zrinka Ćorić.
The musical part of the programme featured performances by Mia Dimšić, Nela, Sandi Cenov and Martin Kosovec, while the evening was hosted by Davor Garić.
In addition to representing Croatia at the world competition in Puerto Rico, the winner will also receive several prizes, including a scholarship from the Zagreb School of Economics and Management for a four-year undergraduate or MBA programme worth up to €20,000.
Today, Miss Universe is considered one of the world’s most recognised beauty pageants, with this year’s edition marking its 75th anniversary.
