Filipino Miss Universe licensee Josh Yugen picks Egypt’s bet anew

Despite the ongoing controversy regarding the leadership of the Miss Universe Organization, Egypt will still take part in upcoming edition of the national competition later this year.

Sonia Gergis, who was first runner-up at the 2025 Miss Universe Egypt pageant, has finally claimed the national crown after a rigoruos selection process initiated by Filipino publicist and publisher Josh Yugen.

He is the national licensee of the Miss Universe pageant for Egypt, who ushered the North African country’s return to the international competition in 2023. Yugen also holds the Miss Universe franchise for Pakistan and Sweden.

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“For me, Miss Universe has never been only about finding the most beautiful woman in the room. It is about giving women a platform where their voice, purpose, intelligence, courage, and individuality can be seen and heard,” Yugen said in a statement released to the media.

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Gergis’ appointment was a result of a tedious screening procedure conducted by the organization, wherein aspirants underwent interviews and submitted videos. An esteemed group of judges evaluated the candidates.

The aspirants were assessed on communication skills, personality, presence, potential and the ability to represent Egypt on an international platform.

“Empowering women is at the heart of why I do this work. I believe deeply in Sonia, not only because of the woman she is today, but because of the determination she showed after coming so close last year and choosing to return stronger,” Yugen said.

“She reminds us that a setback does not define a woman. What defines her is how she rises from it. I believe Sonia has the heart, discipline, resilience, and potential to represent the modern Egyptian woman with pride on the Miss Universe stage,” he continued.

Gergis will try to score Egypt’s first-ever victory at the 75th edition of the international pageant in Puerto Rico in November. She will join more than 100 delegates from around the world, including Bea Millan-Windorski from the Philippines.