Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark has been crowned Miss Universe, marking the first time a Dane has won the crown.

Ms Kjaer Theilvig, an animal protection advocate and aspiring lawyer, beat out Miss Nigeria at the end of 73rd edition of the competition in Mexico City.

Miss Mexico placed third.

It is the first time a Danish contestant has won Miss Universe.

Australia was represented by Zoe Creed this year, who missed out on a place in the top 30 finalists.

Age limit lifted

This year marked the first time in Miss Universe's 72-year history that women aged over 28 were allowed to compete.

More than 25 of the 120 contestants who reached the finals were older than what would have been allowed in previous years.

Malta's Beatrice Njoya became the first women in her 40s to reach the pageant's finale.

According to the Times of Malta, the single mother of three is a domestic violence survivor.

"When you reach a certain age, society wants to tell you what to wear and how to behave," she told the publication.

"If something is your dream, you can still find time for it and be a good mum or a good wife.

"Motherhood — or being married — should never stop you from following your dreams."

The pageant was held in the Mexico City Arena, an indoor venue with a capacity for 20,000 people.

Supporters inside shouted and waved flags from countries around the world.

It began with 131 mariachi musicians and singer Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas playing Mexicana, a song created by Emilio Estefan for the contest.

The gala was hosted by Mario López, Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo, presenter Zuri Hall and Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray.

Organisers said there were more than 120 contestants.

This year some countries were represented for the first time, such as Belarus, Eritrea, Guinea, Macau, Maldives, Moldova and Uzbekistan.

This is the third time that Mexico has hosted Miss Universe.

What was Australia's national costume?

Perhaps the most talked about aspect of the Miss Universe pageant is its National Costume Show, which is actually held days before the finale.

This event is where contestants showcase a costume that represents their home countries.

Ms Creed wore a crimson braided gown by Australian designer Youkhana and headpiece by Atelier Eight, inspired by the waratah flower.

"This design captures the bold, intricate beauty of the native bloom, symbolizing strength, resilience, and pride for Australians," Youkhana wrote.

"The Waratah is known for its vibrant crimson colour and enduring qualities, often representing the spirit of the Australian landscape and its people."

Here's a quick wrap of some of the other national costumes.

ABC/AP