$1 Million Prize Up for Grabs as MGI Opens All Stars to Transgender Candidates
MGI – The Miss Grand International (MGI) organization has set the pageant world abuzz after announcing that transgender women can now compete in the first-ever Miss Grand International All Stars.
Miss Grand International has officially announced a historic change for its first-ever Miss Grand International All Stars competition. Transgender women will now be allowed to join the prestigious pageant’s inaugural edition. The news was shared through MGI’s social media post on Saturday, December 6, generating excitement across the global pageant community.
In the announcement, MGI laid out the qualifications for the upcoming all-star showdown. “A global stage awaits women and trans women who have competed in any international pageant but have yet to claim the crown. Open to ages 20–40, regardless of marital status or motherhood,” the organization wrote. The All Stars edition will be held in Thailand from January 25, 2026, to February 13, 2026. The eventual winner will take home the coveted “All Stars Crown” along with a jaw-dropping prize ranging from $100,000 to $1 million.
Pageant fans quickly flooded social media with their reactions, calling the decision a groundbreaking moment in the industry. Some expressed nostalgia and anticipation for former contestants who may return to the stage, saying, “who once stood on an international stage…moment to return” and “dapat may international pageant nang nasalihan…All star.” Others shared their excitement, with one fan writing, “This is going to be blood bath war who are we going to see fighting. I am very excited!”
MGI president Nawat Itsaragrisil also received praise from enthusiasts who celebrated the organization’s bold move. Comments such as “Papa Nawat, this will be going extravagant. The rise of the MGI is now happening. Choose the rightful queen to at Feb. Ingfa,MMD, Celeste,maglabasan na kayo,” and “grabe papa nawat!! you are leveling up the pageantry congrats to you and the mgi team!” reflect the overwhelming support for the new format. Others highlighted the massive prize pot: “Wow, $1 million prize! Sarap nman. Sali n kayo.”
The Philippines has been a strong contender in MGI in recent years. Emma Mary Tiglao claimed the Miss Grand International 2025 title, marking a back-to-back win for the country after Christine Juliane Opiaza’s victory in 2024.
The inclusion of transgender women in global pageants has been progressing steadily. A landmark moment occurred when Spain sent Angela Ponce to Miss Universe 2018, making her the first transgender woman to compete on the Miss Universe stage, an edition ultimately won by the Philippines’ Catriona Gray.
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