Besting more than 80 other contestants, in a beauty pageant witnessed all over the world, 18-year old Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez was crowned Miss Universe 2009.

The new Miss Universe 2009 inherited the crown from another Venezuelan Dayana Mendoza, who was Miss Universe 2008. It is only the second time in the pageant’s 58 years that a country had won the title in two consecutive years, after Johanna Raunio and Anne Marie Pohtamo of Finland did it in 1954 and 1955.

Fernandez is the 6th candidate from Venezuela to have bagged the crown.

As Miss Universe, Fernandez will have the use of a New York City apartment for the year of her reign, and will receive living expenses. Other prizes include a two-year scholarship at the New York Film Academy; a vacation for two in the Bahamas; and a wardrobe, including evening wear, swimsuits and jewelry.

Miss Dominican Republic, Ada Aimee De La Cruz, was named first runner-up and would assume Fernandez’s duties if she couldn’t complete her term.