Paraná wins Miss Universe Brazil 2026 Marcella Kozinski, 26, from Curitiba, was elected Miss Universe Brazil 2026 in the early hours of Sunday (26), in São Paulo. With the victory, she guaranteed a place to represent the country in the next edition of Miss Universe 2026, scheduled for November 24, in Puerto Rico. In total, 31 candidates participated in the national contest. Marcella competed in a new category, in which some participants could represent tourist destinations and not just a state or municipality. In Marcella's case, she represented Ilha do Mel, one of the main tourist attractions on the coast of Paraná. ? Follow the g1 PR channel on WhatsApp After receiving the crown, Marcella celebrated the achievement on social media and thanked her for the support she received during the preparation for the contest. "It was not just an achievement, but a promise that was fulfilled. I am immensely happy to know that so much work and dedication led me towards my dream! Now more than ever the focus continues, carrying Brazil in my chest", he wrote. Marcella Kozinski, from Paraná elected Miss Universe Brazil 2026 Social networks Read also: Government of Paraná: Moro leads the 1st round scenarios; Requião and Greca come next See forecast: Will a cold front and cyclone influence the weather in Paraná? Quaest in Paraná: Álvaro Dias and Alexandre Curi appear ahead in the dispute for the Senate Who is Marcella Kozinski Marcella Kozinski, from Paraná elected Miss Universe Brazil 2026 Social networks Marcella works as a model, businesswoman, digital influencer and was also a presenter. Before the award, she became nationally known for dating dentist Rafael Puglisi, who treated celebrities and influencers. Rafael died in September 2018 in an accident in his home pool. According to her, her career in beauty pageants began at a difficult time in her life, when she received the invitation to compete in her first competition while she was grieving the death of her father. "I lost my father at a young age and grew up working as a model in environments that often made me doubt my own worth," said Miss in a video on social media. Marcella Kozinski, from Paraná, elected Miss Universe Brazil 2026, represented Ilha do Mel (PR) Social media In 2019, she won Miss Curitiba and represented Brazil at Miss Tourism World, held in Qingdao, China, finishing the competition in fourth place. In 2021, she won the titles of Miss Curitiba and Miss Paraná Universo, which guaranteed her a place in Miss Brasil Universe that year. In 2026, she was crowned Miss Ilha do Mel. Ilha do Mel Ilha do Mel stands out as one of the main ecotourism destinations in Brazil. Renato Soares Ilha do Mel is located in the city of Paranaguá. Known for its beautiful landscapes, the place stands out as one of the main ecotourism destinations in Brazil. Among the hidden paradises on the island are the Gruta de Encantadas, the Farol das Conchas and the Fortaleza Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres. VIDEOS: Most watched on g1 Paraná Read more news on g1 Paraná.