First Venezuelan to Compete in Miss Grand UK

Alba Ruiz, a 26-year-old Venezuelan national, has become the first Venezuelan to participate in the Miss Grand United Kingdom beauty pageant. Her journey to the competition follows a significant personal transition after moving from Venezuela to London.

Ruiz relocated to the United Kingdom after marrying a man she met through the Tinder Passport feature in 2020. At the time, the couple connected virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic, as Ruiz sought to practice her English and her partner wished to learn Spanish.

From Virtual Connection to New Beginnings

The relationship transitioned from virtual to in-person in 2021, when the couple met in Barcelona. Following this meeting, they maintained a long-distance relationship, visiting each other twice a year during holidays, with trips alternating between the United Kingdom and Venezuela.

Ruiz eventually moved to London to start a new life with her husband. However, the plans and projects that prompted her relocation eventually fell apart. Despite this setback, Ruiz chose to remain in the United Kingdom to rebuild her life and pursue personal growth.

This period of reconstruction led her to enter the Miss Grand United Kingdom competition. For Ruiz, the pageant represents a new chapter and a milestone for her community, stating that the experience represents much more than a crown.

About Miss Grand United Kingdom

Miss Grand United Kingdom is a national beauty pageant established on September 5, 2015, by founder Holly Louise. The competition is currently run by President Daniela Costin and is headquartered in London.

The winner of the national contest earns the opportunity to represent the United Kingdom in the international Miss Grand International pageant. The UK has been a participant in the international competition since 2013.

Historically, the United Kingdom has placed among the top 20 finalists of Miss Grand International five times, with placements occurring in 2014, 2016, 2020, 2022, and 2025. The UK has won awards for best national costume in 2022 and best evening gown in 2016.

The leadership of the pageant has shifted over the years. After Holly Louise was unable to send delegates to the 2019 international contest in Venezuela, the license was transferred to Megan Darlington in 2020, and later to Kathryn Fanshawe in mid-2022.