Firstly, in order to get through to compete in Miss Universe, each contestant has to win the national competition and gain her country’s title. For example, Miss USA will be representing America at Miss Universe; but to receive the Miss USA crown, the contestant had to win her state’s crown first. Just take Olivia Culpo, for instance, who won Miss Universe in 2012. First she had to come in at No. 1 at Miss Rhode Island, then at Miss USA, and finally at Miss Universe.
