Suomen Neito (English: Maiden of Finland) was a traditional Finnish beauty pageant held in the 1950s, 1960s, 1986, and from 1990 to 2007. The pageant began in 1952 when Armi Kuusela was crowned as the first Suomen Neito, which qualified her for the inaugural Miss Universe pageant, where she became its first titleholder. From 1986 to 2006, Suomen Neito winners represented Finland in the Miss World pageant. However, in 2007, the pageant's significance diminished with the introduction of a new selection process, leading to its disbandment.[1]

In 1962 and 1991, the Suomen Neito pageants were held concurrently with the Miss Finland pageant. Miss Finland (Finnish: Miss Suomi), established in 1931, is the oldest and most prominent beauty pageant in Finland.

Titleholders

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Year Winner Notes
1952 Armi Kuusela Subsequently Miss Universe 1952
1953 Teija Sopanen
1954 Lenita Airisto
1955 Sirkku Talja
1962 Aulikki Järvinen 2nd runner-up at Miss Universe 1962
1963 Nadine Gustafsson
1986 Satu-Riitta Alaharja
1990 Nina Björkfelt
1991 Nina Autio
1992 Petra von Hellens
1993 Janina Frostell
1994 Mia Forsell
1995 Terhi Koivisto
1996 Hanna Hirvonen
1997 Minna Lehtinen
1998 Maaret Nousiainen
1999 Maria Laamanen
2000 Salima Peippo
2001 Jenni Hietanen
2002 Hanne Hynynen
2003 Johanna Hynninen
2004 Niina Tikanmäki
2005 Saana Anttila
2006 Jenniina Tuokko
2007 Essi Hellstén

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Suomen Neito -kilpailu historiaan?" (in Finnish). MTV.fi. 30 June 2008. Retrieved 9 September 2018.