Andrea Meza of Mexico crowned Miss Universe

It was down to Andrea and Julia Gama of Brazil for the top spot, but it was a very shocked Andrea who claimed the win.

Her predecessor Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa placed the crown on her head at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida on Monday.

The fourth runner-up was Dominican Republic, followed by India and Peru.

RELATED: Miss Universe Australia stuns in high-slit gown

Zozibini, who took out the title in 2019, is the longest reigning Miss Universe after the competition was pushed back one year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

However, on Monday she finally handed over the crown to Andrea who bested 73 other contestants for the title.

Miss Australia Maria Thattil made it to the Top 10 of the competition, carrying herself with grace and class as she dazzled in both a red bikini and sparkly full-length gown.

Maria, who was born in Australia to Indian migrants, paired her bikini look with silver stiletto heels and accessorised with a sheer pale blue cape and hoop earrings.

She opted for her hair down in soft waves and a full-coverage makeup with false lashes, eyeliner and a glossy lip.

For the next part of the competition, Maria stepped into a full-length sparkling gown, with a high-slit that exposed her left leg.

The fitted dress featured a plunging neckline with sheer panelling

On Friday, Maria told fans why she chose to apply for the pageant.

“Why did I compete? Because barriers are made to be broken, and ceilings were meant to be shattered. Preliminaries finished with heart and soul,” she wrote.

Maria, who is a influencer and fashion blogger from Melbourne, was crowned this year’s Miss Universe Australia last month.

Ahead of the competition on Monday, Maria said the experience had been amazing.

“It is our last breakfast as Miss Universe contestants. I mean it is exciting to see a new chapter for everyone irrespective of the outcome,” she said in an Instagram Story.

“But also bitter because I am going to miss my roomie, I am going to miss being with the girls every day and this crazy schedule we have now got accustomed to.

“And I think there’s all the feels that it is so fast-paced it’s hard to stop sometimes, so I am just going to try to be really present in the day, grateful, confident and this is what we’ve all worked for.”