Marlène Kouassi, representing Côte d'Ivoire, has been crowned 5th runner-up at the 14th edition of Miss Grand International (MGI) held in Bangkok, Thailand. The grand finale took place on October 10, 2026, where Kouassi, along with 77 other contestants, competed for the top spot. She also won the Best in Bikini award, showcasing her charm and confidence on stage. Kouassi's achievement marks a significant milestone for Côte d'Ivoire in the international beauty pageant.
Kouassi, a young and natural beauty, stands at 1.73 meters tall and has been making waves with her stunning looks and impressive performances. Her journey to the top 10 was not an easy one, as she had to undergo rigorous preparations and face tough competition from other talented contestants. Despite the challenges, Kouassi's determination and hard work paid off, earning her a spot among the top 5 finalists.
When asked about potential conflicts between her personal aspirations and family expectations, Kouassi asserted her determination to pursue her dreams. She emphasized the importance of autonomy, self-confidence, and courage in following one's own path, even if it diverges from others' expectations. Her statement resonated with many, highlighting the significance of staying true to oneself.
Marlène Kouassi was crowned Miss Côte d'Ivoire on July 2, 2022, succeeding Olivia Yacé. Born into a family of 7 children, Kouassi is a law graduate who has a passion for travel, reading, documentaries, writing, and the English language. Her background and experiences have shaped her into a confident and poised individual, capable of representing her country on the international stage.
The winner of MGI 2026 is Jihan Dimack from Tanzania, who is of Lebanese origin and stands at 1.75 meters tall. Dimack has extensive experience in modeling and previously won the title of Miss Universe Tanzania in 2016. She was crowned Miss Grand International 2026, marking a significant achievement for Africa, as the continent takes the top spot for the first time.
The top 5 finalists of MGI 2026 include Shyare Andrade from Ecuador as the 1st runner-up, Megan Goos from Netherlands as the 2nd runner-up, Ximena Carrillo from Guatemala as the 3rd runner-up, and Emoura Pham from Vietnam as the 4th runner-up. The competition, founded in Thailand in 2013, emphasizes not only physical beauty but also talent, communication skills, business acumen, social awareness, and critical thinking.
Miss Grand International 2026 was held under the theme of "No to War and Violence." The event aims to promote peace and unity among nations, with contestants showcasing their skills and talents while advocating for a message of peace and harmony. Kouassi's achievement serves as an inspiration to many young women in Côte d'Ivoire and beyond, demonstrating that with hard work and determination, they can achieve their goals and make a positive impact.
Key points
- Marlène Kouassi, representing Côte d'Ivoire, was crowned 5th runner-up at Miss Grand International 2026.
- Jihan Dimack from Tanzania won the title of Miss Grand International 2026, marking a significant achievement for Africa.
- The competition emphasizes not only physical beauty but also talent, communication skills, business acumen, social awareness, and critical thinking.
