The Miss Grand USA organisation has named Nigerian-American Victoria Oluwakotanmi as Miss Grand USA 2026, elevating the first runner-up after the previous winner was stripped of the title.
Oluwakotanmi, who represented Indiana, assumed the crown after the organisation terminated Mekayla Li’s reign for contractual policy violations. The organisation announced the transition on its official Instagram page on 20 August 2026.
“Victoria now steps forward to carry the crown, represent the United States, and begin an extraordinary new chapter with the Miss Grand USA organisation,” the statement read.
Oluwakotanmi is a U.S. Navy service member and co-founder of Kiddos 4 STEM, an initiative focused on youth science and technology education. She placed as second runner-up in the 2024 national pageant before returning to finish first runner-up in 2026. During the preliminary competition, she won Best State Costume and Best in Swimsuit.
The organisation did not name a second runner-up or detail further changes to the titleholder lineup. Oluwakotanmi will now serve as the United States representative at the Miss Grand International pageant.
“We are incredibly excited for everything ahead and cannot wait for the world to experience this next chapter alongside her,” the organisation stated. “USA, meet your Miss Grand USA 2026… Victoria Oluwakotanmi.”
She is expected to begin preparation for the international competition immediately.
