Armandina Cunha is Miss Universe Cape Verde 2026

Meanwhile, Jasmine Jorgensen, from Fogo, was crowned first runner-up, and Tirzah Évora, a native of Sal who lives in the U.S., was crowned second runner-up. Letícia Marques and Mary John made it into the contest’s Top 5 alongside the aforementioned contestants.  Felicia Borges, Jamila Moreira, Nélida Monteiro, and Annet Lopes were also in the running for the title.

The winner will now represent Cape Verde at Miss Universe 2026, on November 24, in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

A Dream Come True

After being crowned, the new titleholder told reporters that “being elected Miss Universe Cape Verde is a dream come true.”

“I feel joy, but above all, a sense of accomplishment, because I’ve always worked toward this moment (…) I believed I would win the pageant, because I’ve long said I would be the first Miss Universe Cape Verde, and today that has come true. I worked hard, trained, and, above all, believed in myself, because when we believe we can do it, anything is possible,” she revealed.

At the event, the young woman presented her social project titled “Bo tem um minuto” (Do You Have a Minute?), through which she draws society’s attention to the importance of mental health in our lives.

“The message I leave for Cape Verdeans is not to give up. I’m here today because I didn’t give up on my dreams. Two years ago, I competed in Miss International Cape Verde and didn’t succeed. Today I returned a different person—stronger.

“The legacy I want to leave behind is not that of someone who simply wears the Miss Universe Cape Verde crown, but that of someone who will defend the rights of those who, for whatever reason, have stopped believing in themselves,” she assured.

“Cape Verdeans can expect a lot of discipline, brilliance, and resilience from me. I will take the name of Cape Verde to the top of the podium at Miss Universe in Puerto Rico,” the new Miss added.

First Miss Universe Pageant in Cape Verde

Although Cape Verde was represented in the 2025 Miss Universe pageant by contestant Prissy Gomes, this Saturday’s pageant was the first to take place in the country.

The event featured nine contestants—after one of the contestants withdrew for personal reasons—and lasted approximately four hours.

The contestants paraded in outfits by Samielle Couture, danced, wore traditional costumes representing the nine inhabited islands, as well as bikinis and evening gowns.

The preliminary round narrowed the field to the TOP 5, with one of the contestants—Tirzah Évora—being chosen by the audience.

In addition to Armandina Cunha, the TOP 3 finalists included Tirzah Évora and Jasmine Jorgensen.

The contestants also presented their respective social projects and answered a series of questions posed by the panel of judges led by former Miss West Africa, Vanny Reis.

The pageant was hosted by Eder Xavier and Evelise Cardoso and featured a performance by musician Alberto Koenig, tributes, and the presentation of trophies, notably, Beauty With Impact, which honored five Cape Verdean women: Ana Hopffer Almada, Lígia Fonseca, Silvéria Nédio “Nita,” and athletes Ludmila and Janice Varela.

Miss Universe Cape Verde Prissy Gomes also attended the event and passed the crown to the new titleholder.

Balai.cv