Meet Croatia’s representative at Miss World 2026

(Photo: Miss World Croatia)

ZAGREB, 7 January 2026 – Ema Helena Vičar was crowned Miss Croatia and will travel this spring to represent the country at the 73rd Miss World Festival.

The global competition, which is the oldest international beauty pageant in the world, will bring together contestants from more than 140 countries. It is held under the famous motto “Beauty with a Purpose,” a concept that places strong emphasis on humanitarian work and positive social influence.

Miss World vs Miss Universe – What’s the Difference?

Although Miss World and Miss Universe are often mentioned in the same breath, the two competitions differ greatly in tradition and format.

Miss World, founded in the United Kingdom in 1951, focuses on character, talent, intelligence and community involvement. In recent years, it has moved away from the swimsuit category and instead highlights the achievements and personalities of the contestants.

Participants are judged across a range of disciplines, including Talent, Top Model, Sport, Interview, Head-to-Head Challenge and Multimedia.

Entrepreneur Ivana Delač explained the distinction: “While Miss World celebrates tradition and the complete qualities of young women with an emphasis on beauty with a purpose, Miss Universe rewards confident public performance, women’s empowerment and high-profile social campaigns.”

Miss Universe, established in the United States in 1952, remains more oriented toward stage spectacle, glamour and media presence. Key rounds in that pageant include interviews, evening gowns and swimsuit presentations.

Meet Croatia’s Representative

Ema Helena Vičar is far more than just a pretty face. The 23-year-old from Zagreb is currently living in Monaco, where she is completing a master’s degree in Luxury Brand Management at the International University of Monaco.

(Photo: Miss World Croatia)

She previously graduated in International Business from Libertas International University and has also completed professional studies in public relations and digital marketing.

In addition to her academic achievements, Vičar has already taken her first steps into the business world. She founded her own fashion brand focused on vintage fur, promoting sustainability and responsible entrepreneurship. She is also an active member of a volunteer and social responsibility club.

“Through my brand I combine aesthetics, sustainability and business,” Vičar said. “My mission is to inspire young women to believe in themselves, invest in knowledge and remain authentic despite the pressures of modern society.”

(Photo: Miss World Croatia)

Her personal interests include pilates, cheerleading, dance and gymnastics, showing her strong sporting background and discipline.

How Miss Croatia Is Selected

The national Miss Hrvatske competition is celebrating its 30th anniversary, making it the longest-running licensed beauty pageant in Croatia. Since 1992, it has held the official Miss World licence and, together with Miss Universe, is one of only two Croatian pageants whose winner advances to a world competition.

Licence owner Iva Loparić Kontek outlined the selection process.

Contestants are judged in six main categories: Interview, Sport, Talent, Top Model, Head-to-Head and Multimedia. Winners of five categories automatically enter the Top 8, with remaining spots decided by overall points and the expert jury.

Vičar impressed judges in all areas with her knowledge, presentation skills and modern approach to social responsibility. Her versatility proved to be the key factor in securing the Miss Hrvatske crown.

Croatia has a long history of success in international competitions. During the 1990s, Fani Čapalija, Branka Bebić and Anica Martinović won Miss Europe titles, marking a golden era for Croatian beauty queens.

At Miss World, Ivana Petković and Josipa Kusić reached the Top 10, while Tea Mlinarić placed third in the Top Model category at Miss World 2017 in China and advanced to the Top 30 overall.

More recently, Lucija Begić entered the Top 40 in India and won the Miss World Sport title, becoming Croatia’s most successful contestant of the past decade.