Overview
- Eckert won the title Friday at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno and is set to represent the United States at Miss Universe on November 21 in Thailand.
- With Alma Cooper absent, reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig performed the crowning as the show paid tribute to Cooper’s tenure.
- Miss USA’s new president Thom Brodeur said the organization made multiple attempts to include Cooper and stated it respects her decision not to attend.
- This year’s competition was the first under Brodeur after replacing Laylah Rose in September, featuring judges-only selection and a restored current‑events Q&A.
- The finals were delivered via a specialist streaming platform rather than traditional television, as legal disputes between Miss Universe co-owner JKN Global Group and Rose’s VVV Global continue.