Miss Venezuela Wins 2011 Miss World Competition

By Michael Lopez

Yes, the world of pageants can be a bit confusing these days. There's Miss Universe, Miss Earth, Miss USA, Miss Teen USA, and a host of others. But, believe it or not, Miss World is actually older than them all, having launched way back in 1951. And this weekend, it bestowed its 2011 crown upon Miss Venezuela, Ivian Sarcos.

A stunning 5'11'' student from the city of Guanare, Ivian wowed the judges with her heartfelt responses, charitable lifestyle, and gorgeous smile. Of course, her sexy swimsuit modeling didn't hurt either.

Sarcos edged out quite a few beauties to get the title. Miss Philippines, Gwendoline Ruais, came very close to earning the crown, but ultimately won first runner-up. And Miss Puerto Rico, Amanda Vilanova Perez proved to be a big crowd favorite, earning the competition's third place crown.

The entire event took place in London and wasn't without its share of controversy. According to The Independent, several feminist groups protested the competition, saying it was demeaning to women. Over 100 locals marched in front of the venue shouting and holding up signs.

"Look what happens," one female protester said. "What society expects from young women. There is terrible pressure put on them to look a certain way. I wear make-up, I want to look nice, but to go to such an extent as to have operations performed on yourself?"

But, we imagine the picketers would be happy to know that the new Miss World is authentic, down-to-earth, and truly deserving of the title. Ivian was actually studying to be a nun before joining the pageant and had spent a majority of her life in orphanages and working to help the poor.

"She's a very real person,” Miss World chairman Julia Morley told the press. “[Ivian is] very sweet and very genuine and I think that we're really lucky to have her."

And Sarcos has certainly made her homeland very proud. Ivian is now the sixth Miss World from Venezuela and we expect she'll come home to a country full of cheering fans.

Which country do you think has the most beautiful women? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Amanda Vilanova Perez, Beauty Pageants, Gwendoline Ruais, Hot Stuff, Ivian Sarcos, Miss Venezuela, Miss World, popnews, Venezuela