The Kálmán Imre Teátrum within the Budapest Operetta Theatre in Budapest, Hungary hosted the Miss Universe Hungary 2026 grand finale on June 19, 2026. Out of 12 finalists, the city’s very own Kamilla Kiss, 25, was officially selected by the jury to receive the prestigious national crown.
Kamilla Kiss
While Kiss’s recent victory has thrust her into the domestic and international spotlight, her journey to the crown included notable milestones prior to the pageant. Months before the competition, she embarked on a significant international voyage to a tropical island in Thailand, a destination that provided a serene backdrop before the high-pressure environment of the national pageant circuit.
The Southeaast Asian country is home to a long list of internationally acclaimed beauty queens including Miss Universe 1966 second runner-up Cheranand Savetanand. Born in Surat Thani, Thailand, she turned 84 on October 25, 2025.
Visiting Koh Samui
In March 2026, Kiss visited Koh Samui, which is Thailand’s second-largest island. Situated in the Gulf of Thailand, the island is part of Surat Thani and is celebrated globally for its white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and distinct palm-fringed coastlines.
The island’s geographical diversity allows travelers to experience both bustling seaside entertainment and isolated natural sanctuaries. Among its prominent coastal locations is Chaweng Beach, which serves as the central hub for tourism, offering water sports, seaside dining, and a thriving commercial district. For visitors seeking a more tranquil environment, areas like Lamai Beach and Silver Beach present quieter alternatives ideal for relaxation.
Beyond its natural scenery, Koh Samui is a major hub for cultural and ecological tourism. The island features landmarks such as Wat Phra Yai, famously known as the Big Buddha Temple, which houses a prominent 12-meter-tall golden Buddha statue that attracts thousands of visitors annually. Nearby, the modern temple complex of Wat Plai Laem showcases detailed Chinese-Thai Buddhist architecture, defined by an 18-armed statue of Guanyin, the goddess of compassion. The island’s interior is dominated by mountainous rainforests, featuring notable natural landmarks like the multi-tiered Na Muang Waterfalls. Additionally, its proximity to the Ang Thong National Marine Park—an archipelago consisting of 42 protected islands with coral reefs and hidden lagoons—makes it a prime base for eco-tourism, snorkeling, and maritime exploration.
Winning Miss Universe Hungary 2026
The national selection process for Miss Universe Hungary 2026 was a highly structured event designed to evaluate contestants across multiple disciplines. From June 11-18, 2026, Kiss and her fellow delegates stayed at the Fibula Residence Hotel and Wellness in Pécs, Hungary for their mandatory intensive training camp. During this preparatory phase, they underwent rigorous training in stage movement, wardrobe coordination and public speaking.
The coronation ceremony culminated in a series of judged segments before the final court was announced. Outgoing titleholder Dezsényi Kincső was on hand to crown Kamilla Kiss as the new Miss Universe Hungary. The judging panel also recognized other top performers of the evening: Sarka Lilien was named the first runner-up, Óvári Kinga secured the position of second runner-up and Hotya Fanni was awarded the Audience Choice award based on public voting.
Preparing for Miss Universe 2026
With Kiss’s domestic title secured, she is designated to represent Hungary in the 75th edition of Miss Universe. The candidate who will represent Thailand has yet to be crowned.
Including Hungary and Thailand, more than 100 countries and territories will be represented at Miss Universe 2026 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, United States. This edition marks the debuts of Niger and Uganda.
Before the competition, Kiss will undergo a comprehensive multi-month training program to prepare for the global stage. Among her fellow European candidates are Jogersa Beqiri, 24, of Albania, Sophia Osako, 22, of the Czech Republic, Aideen Howard, 22, of Ireland, Evisa Pacolli, 21, of Kosovo, Aleksandra Ivezaj, 22, of Montenegro and Anna Ličková, 25, of Slovakia.
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