List of Miss Universe runners-up and finalists
This article provides the names of the runners-up in the Miss Universe pageant since the pageant's first edition in 1952. Table of Miss Universe runner-up and finalists. The pageant has awarded the five remaining finalists from 1952 to 1989, 2001 to 2014 and 2020 with the first, second, third and fourth Runner-Up being awarded. From 1990 to 1997, the number of finalists was increased to six. From 1998 to 2000 and 2015 to 2019 and 2021, it was reverted to five but only up to the second runner -up was awarded (regardless if the pageant post-announces the placements of the other 2 delegates who made it to the Top 5). This table shows the top-five finalists of each competition, from its inception in 1952. Countries/Territories by number of finalists. 1st Runner-Up. The first Runner-Up of each edition of Miss Universe is the second placer behind the candidate who is crowned as Miss Universe (first placer). In some cases, she shall take over the title of Miss Universe, if: There were instances that the winner is not replaced by the first Runner-Up, when  she decides to voluntarily resign from her position, given the formal permission from the organization (1952 and 1974). This table lists the number of 1st Runner-Up titles by country. There are some special considerations: The current 1st Runner-Up is Nadia Ferreira from Paraguay, as for the edition that took place on December 12, 2021 in Universe Dome, Eilat, Israel. 2nd Runner-Up. The second Runner-Up of each edition of Miss Universe is the third placer behind the candidate who is crowned as Miss Universe (first placer) and the first Runner-Up (second placer). Although it has never  happened, the second Runner-Up is supposed to take over the Miss Universe title if both the original winner and the first Runner-Up are unable to fulfill their duties/resign their titles. For example, if a Miss Universe winner is required to give up her title and the first Runner-Up is unable/does not want to assume the winner's position, the title then passes to the second Runner-Up. This table lists the number of 2nd Runner-Up titles by country. There are some special considerations as well: The current 2nd Runner-Up is Lalela Mswane from  South Africa, as for the edition that took place on December 12, 2021 in Eilat, Israel. Notes