Victoria Oluwakotanmi, an American woman of Nigerian origin, made a new record after being crowned Miss Grand USA 2026, after the previous winner Mekyla Li was robbed.
The Miss Grand USA 2026 pageant was held in Las Vegas on August 10, 2026. In the ceremony, Mekyla Li was crowned as the champion, while Victoria Oluwakotanmi was the first runner-up.
Nine days later, things changed when the Miss Grand USA management announced that Mekyla Li was no longer Miss Grand USA 2026.
The race management announced that it took the decision after it was revealed that he had been married and was being prosecuted for crimes related to the 2024 road accident.
Although Mekyla Li continued to deny the accusations, the management of Miss Grand USA stripped her of the crown, and on August 21, 2026, Victoria Oluwakotanmi, who was the first runner-up, was immediately announced as Miss Grand USA 2026.
Victoria was then assigned to represent the United States of America in the Miss Grand International 2026 pageant.
Victoria’s Long Journey to the Crown
Victoria Oluwakotanmi was born in San Antonio, Texas, to Nigerian parents.
He grew up in a family that taught him to work hard and never give up on his dreams. His father once talked about his journey to the United States more than 30 years ago, where he started as a dishwasher, but continued his education until he got a master’s degree in nursing.
Victoria says that her father’s journey was a great lesson for her, teaching her that no dream is impossible if one has a goal and works hard.
Before becoming famous in beauty pageants, Victoria was already a soldier in the United States Navy. He joined the army in 2019, serving as a logistics officer.
At that time she was also continuing her studies in Chemical Engineering, showing her willingness to combine education, work and her dream of participating in beauty pageants.
In 2020, she won the Miss Black San Antonio crown, giving her more confidence to continue competing for other major crowns.
In 2023, she participated in Miss Texas USA, although she was unable to win the crown. The following year, she again tried her luck in the Miss Grand USA representing Illinois, where she became the second runner-up and was awarded the most successful girl on social media.
Victoria continued to work hard and prepare, until she returned to Miss Grand USA 2026 representing Indiana. In this competition, he was once again the first leader, which led many to think that his chance to win the crown was lost again.
But a few days later, her life changed when she was crowned Miss Grand USA 2026.
Ikamba says it is the fruit of patience
Just because Victoria got the crown after the winner was stripped, doesn’t mean it’s an opportunity that came easily. It is the result of a long journey filled with patience, learning and continuous experimentation despite the obstacles.
Besides being a model and beauty queen, Victoria is also known for her work to help young people.
He founded a project called Oluwakotanmi’s Promise, named after his late grandmother. This project aims to help young people get opportunities in education, build confidence and encourage them to keep fighting for their dreams.
Victoria said she wants to use her crown as a voice for women, immigrants, African Americans and women in the military.
He expressed his belief that his story can be a lesson to others to never give up, even though one may fail many times or face different trials.
After many years of competing for different crowns, doing different jobs, studying and doing activities aimed at improving the community, Victoria Oluwakotanmi has achieved her dream of wearing a crown that gives her the opportunity to represent the United States of America at the national level
WRITTEN BY HAKIZIMANA ZAWADI
