The candidates in the upcoming Miss Universe 2017 pageant have arrived in Las Vegas to participate in the pre-pageant activities. Over 90 women will compete during the coronation night which will be held at The AXIS at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino on November 26.

The pageant is the most widely watched beauty tilt in the world and is also among the most prestigious along with Miss World, Miss International, and Miss Grand International. Prior to the final night, some of the ladies also emerged as early favorites such as the candidate from Thailand, International Business Times reported.

Thailand’s Maria Poonlertlarp is one of the early favorites after having earned more than 150,000 likes on social media. This 26-year-old Master’s degree holder in marketing has a passion for trying new things and discovering food from various cultures. One of her advocacies focuses on raising awareness of teenage pregnancy, a recurring issue in her country.

Also among the early favorites are Indonesia’s Bunga Jelitha, Brazil’s Monalysa Alcantara, Berenice Quezada from Nicaragua, Rachel Peters from the Philippines, Sophia Koch from Germany, and Colombia’s Laura Gonzalez.

Events in Las Vegas

Last week, the candidates began arriving in Las Vegas, Nevada where the pageant pre-activities are being held.

They have since participated in photo shoots, media interviews, and social media appearances.

For instance, some of the ladies were featured on the pageant’s official Facebook page dining at Buca Di Beppo, one of the most popular restaurants in the city. It is an Italian restaurant that has hosted several events for the pageant when it is held in Las Vegas.

The contestants were featured in a live social media event and they were shown being styled by CHI hair care. CHI is one of the major sponsors of Miss Universe.

Some of the candidates also sat in a live chat sponsored by Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino. They participated in board games that let the audience get to know them better as they answered questions from these games.

Some of those who joined this event included Thailand’s Maria Poonlertlarp and Sri Lanka’s Christina Peiris.

Returning hosts

Steve Harvey is set to return as the host of this year’s pageant. He gained popularity during Miss Universe after he accidentally announced the wrong winner in 2015.

He will be joined by plus-size supermodel Ashley Graham who is slated to provide backstage commentary during the swimsuit and evening gown competition. She has hosted the event since 2016 and has been the commentator for the Miss USA coronation events.
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