1. Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, South Africa
Irish bookmaker Paddy Power has Miss Universe South Africa as the 4-1 favorite to win the beauty contest.
She has a degree in Business Management, and has been dedicating her time in helping women learn self-defense, inspired by that one time she was held at gunpoint and robbed. Instagram.com/demileighnp
2. Maria Poonlertlarp, Thailand
Online sportsbook Bovada has Miss Universe Thailand winning the whole thing at 4-1.
Her impressive bio includes a master's degree in marketing, and her advocacy centers around erasing the stigma that continues to plague young pregnant women in her country. Instagram.com/marialynnehren
3. Kára McCullough, USA
Home-field advantage could play a part, with the pageant being held at the same venue the last time USA won the Miss Universe crown back in 2012.
But McCullough certainly has a lot more going for her than just that. She is currently working as a scientist after graduating with a degree in chemistry. She is also the founder of an outreach program, which helps kids cultivate a passion for STEM. Instagram.com/realkaramccullough
4. Olivia Rogers, Australia
Australia's candidate shares the same odds (10-1) as Peters, according to Bovada. She is a pediatric speech pathologist, an illustrator, a model, and a spokesperson for mental health. Instagram.com/oliviamollyrogers
5. Keysi Sayago, Venezuela
Miss Universe Venezuela (10-1) is behind Peters based on odds, if an article by sports betting outlet Covers is anything to go by. But with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and a willingness to help organizations in her country provide food and shelter to those in need, it's hard to count her out. Instagram.com/
6. Laura González, Colombia
Miss Universe Colombia, who graduated from a performing arts school and is pursuing an acting career, is a heavy favorite with bettors on Bovada, just behind Thailand and South Africa. Instagram.com/laurabarjum
7. Alicia Aylies, France
Miss Universe France is heading into the Miss Universe pageant not as a heavy favorite, much like her predecessor, with bookmakers placing her just inside the top 10.
But just like her predecessor, this fencing enthusiast, who has been raising funds to help aspiring young athletes interested in her sport, might just spring a surprise. Instagram.com/aliciaayliesoff
8. Lauren Howe, Canada
Miss Universe Canada is an Industrial Engineering graduate who has worked as a sports broadcaster for one of her country's professional hockey teams. Her odds (10-1) are tied with Peters in Bovada. Instagram.com/laurenhowe
9. Denisse Franco, Mexico
Miss Universe Mexico, who is studying to become a gynecologist, has the same odds (14-1) as Aylies of France. She works closely with charities to help children with self-esteem issues. Instagram.com/denissefrancop
10. Bunga Jelitha, Indonesia
Miss Universe Indonesia rounds up the favorites from Southeast Asian countries. She has been modelling for more than a decade, and an advocate for protection of children from violence. Instagram.com/bungajelitha21
