22-year-old Adriana Paniagua was crowned Miss Universe Nicaragua 2018 at Ruben Dario Theatre on March 24, 2018. She bested 12 other beauties and succeeded last year's queen Berenice Quezada. This beauty from Chinandega was Miss Teen Nicaragua and won Miss Teen International competition in 2011.
Adriana will now represent her country at this year's Miss Universe pageant. The last time Nicaragua placed in Miss Universe was Nastassja Bolivar's Top 16 finish in 2013, who also won Best in National Costume.