Sophia Bianca Santos has extended the Philippines’ reign at Miss Elite World after winning the pageant’s 2026 edition in Egypt.
Santos bested more than 30 delegates to take the crown, following Juvyel Anne Saluta’s 2024 victory. She also received the Best in Evening Gown award during the competition.
Sophia Bianca Santos during the evening gown round of Miss Elite World 2026
Venezuela's Anabelly Ojeda was named first runner-up, while Tanzania's Sharon Julius Ndasala finished as second runner-up. Bulgaria's Viktoria Lazarova placed third runner-up, with Belgium's Jera Redant completing the Top 5 as fourth runner-up.
During the first round of question-and-answer, Santos was asked whether social media brings people closer together or drives them apart. She highlighted the social media's potential to connect people and give individuals a platform to share their stories.
She also tied her response to her advocacy, Soph Heart, which focuses on empowering Indigenous communities, particularly young people.
Her answer granted her a spot in the Top 5 where she spoke about waiting two years for her opportunity to compete on the international stage. She also shared how growing up in a public market and helping her mother with their business taught her the value of hard work.
Sophia Bianca Santos during the question-and-answer round of Miss Elite World 2026
"I waited two years for this moment," she said, adding that she wanted to share her story and represent the Philippines.
"And if I were to win tonight, I am ready. I am ready [not only to] wear the crown, but also to carry the responsibility with a heart, a purpose, and authenticity," she ended.
Santos' Miss Elite World victory comes after a winding path to the international stage.
She finished as Second Princess at Miss World Philippines 2024. Later on, she went on to win Universal Woman Philippines title after competing in Miss Grand Philippines 2024.
However, her Universal Woman journey did not push through as it was later known that she was ineligible to compete due to age restrictions.
Santos was initially announced as the Philippines' representative to the 2025 Miss Elite World, with Jasmine Omay replacing her as Universal Woman Philippines 2025. But Santos was not able to compete as the Miss Elite World competition in Egypt did not push through as scheduled.
The pageant was eventually held in September 2026, giving Santos her long-awaited international debut.
Now, she has turned that two-year wait into the Philippines' second Miss Elite World crown.