St. Petersburg model crowned Russian beauty of the year

The title of Russia’s most beautiful girl, a crown, $100,000 and a romantic trip to Stockholm have been awarded to Sophia Rudyeva, winner of the Miss Russia beauty pageant held in Moscow on Saturday.

Rudyeva, 18, is a professional model from St. Petersburg, Russian news agencies report. She beat 49 contestants from all over Russia, competing in three rounds: catwalk in swimsuits, catwalk in evening dresses, and finally answering the questions of the jury board to demonstrate intelligence and wit.

Rudyeva, who calls herself an environmental activist seeking to help nature, will now represent Russia at the Miss World and Miss Universe beauty pageants. Until then, she will be busy taking part in charity events.

Svetlana Stepankovskaya from Krasnodar was crowned Vice-Miss Russia, and Ksenia Shepilova from Kokhma Second Vice-Miss Russia. They received free scholarships for the university of their choice anywhere in world.

The ‘audience choice award’ went to Anastasia Bogushevskaya from Togliatti.

The night’s special guest was Miss Universe Diana Mendoza, who handed the crown to Rudyeva and congratulated her on the victory, adding however that “all the contestants are winners here”.