Vanessa Williams crowned Reina Mundial del Banano 2026

Vanessa Williams, a 29-year-old Swiss real estate financial advisor with a master's in sustainable digital business, has been crowned Reina Mundial del Banano 2026. The international gala took place in Machala, Ecuador, at the Zoila Ugarte de Landívar park as part of the patron saint festivities for the Virgin of Mercy.

The competition featured 20 candidates from America, Europe, and Asia. Following Williams, the top finalists included Luisa Trujillo from Colombia as the first runner-up, Leiva López Briones from Peru as the second runner-up, Bibeybi Báez from the Dominican Republic as the third runner-up, Alejandra Correa Rodríguez from Mexico as the fourth runner-up, and Karina Bonilla Crespo from Puerto Rico as the fifth runner-up.

Additionally, Ecuadorian representative Maely Cuenca received the award for Best Typical Costume for a design inspired by the banana production of El Oro province.