Nigerian-American Victoria Oluwakotanmi has been crowned Miss Grand USA 2026, marking a new chapter in a journey that spans pageantry, military service, education and youth empowerment.
Oluwakotanmi, who finished as first runner-up at the Miss Grand USA final on August 10, assumed the title after the organisation terminated the reign of the original winner, Mekayla Li.
The new title means Oluwakotanmi will represent the United States at the Miss Grand International pageant.
Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Oluwakotanmi is the daughter of Nigerian immigrants and has spoken about her Nigerian heritage and experience growing up in a Nigerian-American family.
Beyond pageantry, she served in the United States Navy Reserve after enlisting in March 2019 as a Logistics Specialist. She has been associated with the Naval Operational Support Center San Antonio at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston.
Oluwakotanmi began her pageant journey in 2020 through the Miss Black San Antonio competition, eventually rising to the national stage and securing the Miss Grand USA crown.
Her story combines Nigerian heritage, military service and a passion for youth empowerment as she prepares to represent the United States internationally.
