The title of first runner-up title went to the contestant from the Philippines, Janine Tugonon.[break]
Last year´s winner Leila Lopes of Angola, crowned jubilant Culpo, 20 years old, to succeed her in a year-long reign.
It is the first win for an American woman since 1997, when the title was won by Brook Lee.
Miss Venezuela, Irene Sofia Esser Quintero, placed third in the contest. Fourth place went to Miss Australia Renae Ayris, and fifth to Miss Brazil, Gabriela Markus.
The title Miss Congeniality was given to Miss Guatemala Laura Godoy by the contestants.
The pageant, which purports to pick the world´s most beautiful woman, was held this year in Las Vegas, and saw 89 contestants compete in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview.
It marked th 61st edition of the pageant, held last year in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and which is co-sponsored by US television network NBC and American real estate mogul Donald Trump.
Miss USA, Olivia Culpo is surrounded by contestants after being crowned Miss Universe 2012 during the Miss Universe Pageant at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 19, 2012.Photo: AFP
Miss USA, Olivia Culpo, is crowned Miss Universe 2012 during the Miss Universe Pageant at Planet Holywood in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 19, 2012. Eighty-nine countries and territories took part in in this year´s pageant. Photo:AFP
Miss USA, Olivia Culpo throws a kiss after being named Miss Universe 2012 during the Miss Universe Pageant at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 19, 2012. Eighty-nine countries and territories took part in in this year´s pageant. Photo:AFP
Miss USA, Olivia Culpo (R), reacts beside Miss Philippines, Janine Tugonon (L), after being named Miss Universe 2012 during the Miss Universe Pageant at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 19, 2012.
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