Venezuela head Miss World market in contest of beauty & brains

The world’s oldest surviving major international beauty pageant, Miss World, is celebrating its 60th year and 61st edition at London’s Earls Court.

The first Miss World was held in 1951 during the Festival of Britain with just 26 contestants competing for £1,000. The competition has moved on somewhat since then.

In the past the competition has been criticised for being a “bimbo and air-head contest”, but this year, the competition’s organisers are promising to take into consideration the ladies’ intelligence – making for a “beauty and brains contest”.

In fact, this year’s entrants are either studying for a degree or have graduated and nearly all are bilingual.

This year’s favourite is Ivian Sarcos from Venezuela – and she certainly has the full package. Miss Venezuela, from a large family with 12 siblings, has a degree in human resources and currently works for a broadcasting company. She seems smart money at 7/1.

Of the home nations, Miss Ireland is the second favourite at 9/1 and must be set for a big run following Ireland’s top five finish last year as continental queen.

Home hopes rest upon the shoulders of 12/1 shot Alize Mounter. Shrewd money could be with Miss Brazil at 20/1 and Miss China at 40/1.

It’s not all about beauty, brains and sex appeal though.

Since the competition began, it has done its bit for charities. The Beauty with a Purpose global charity fund has been associated with the Miss World contest for a number of years, which works with Miss World contestants to raise money for disadvantaged children all over the world. When the newly crowned Miss World accepts her title, She’ll be offered the chance to work for the charity.