17-Year-Old Russian Teen Shines at World Rising Star Beauty Pageant

A Rising Star from Irkutsk

A young resident of Irkutsk Oblast, Elena Buzheeva, has confidently stepped onto the international stage, making a name for herself beyond Russia. At just 17 years old, she secured the main title at the World Rising Star 2026 beauty and talent competition held in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia.

The Journey to Victory

For this high school student, this victory was not just another achievement but a significant proof that perseverance, self-improvement, and years of preparation can lead to remarkable results even under challenging circumstances. The final stages of the competition took place in Tbilisi and brought together nearly fifty participants, ranging from preschoolers to young adults over 20 years old. Representatives from dozens of countries, from Europe to the Middle East and Asia, gathered in Georgia. While the competition traditionally awards prizes by age categories, the highest honor from the jury this year went to the Russian contestant, Elena Buzheeva.

Overcoming Challenges

According to the competition rules, Elena could not use national symbols or represent her country on stage. Instead, she represented her home region, Irkutsk. Despite these restrictions, she confidently navigated all the competition stages and managed to outshine her rivals from around the world. Throughout the journey, her mother, Natalia, was by her side, providing support and helping her manage the excitement.

The Grand Finale

The results of the international competition were announced on January 11. It was on this day that the name of the highest grand prix winner was revealed. For Elena, this victory was a logical continuation of a series of successful performances that she has been delivering on competition stages for several years.

A Multifaceted Talent

The international title holder lives in the village of Osa, Irkutsk Oblast, and grows up in a large family. From an early age, she has been passionate about folk dancing, which became an essential part of her competition programs and helped her stand out during the talent stage. Preparation for the international final lasted about three months and included intensive rehearsals, work on her stage image, catwalk training, confidence-building, and preparation for interactions with the jury.

The Path to International Recognition

Reaching the international level was the result of consistent work for Buzheeva. In November 2025, she won the grand prix of the regional competition “Mini Miss Irkutsk Oblast,” and just a month later, she triumphed in the senior age category of the national stage of the competition “Little Miss and Mister Russia World 2025.” This success earned her the right to represent the region at the international final.

The World Rising Star Competition

The World Rising Stars competition has been held in Tbilisi for almost a decade and has evolved into a large-scale international event. Its format goes beyond the classic beauty pageant: participants showcase not only their appearance but also their creative abilities, charisma, and personal qualities. In 2026, the program included charitable events, a friendship evening, a talent competition, and final appearances in national and evening attire. Contestants and their families were also treated to a cultural program with excursions, allowing them to become more acquainted with the traditions and history of Georgia.

Support and Recognition

Elena’s preparation for the competition trials was supported by an entire team. Anna Bazarova led the preparation group for the Irkutsk participant, professional stylist Irina Chagdurova was responsible for the images, and her mother, Natalia Buzheeva, was by her side throughout all the stages. According to Bazarova, Elena’s victory is an international recognition that did not come easily. She noted that the participant worthily withstood all the trials, coped with excitement, and demonstrated her strengths, thanks to which the team returns home with a diploma of the highest grand prix.

The organizers of the competition also reported that the World Rising Star events in January 2026 brought together representatives of more than 20 countries. The program included a catwalk, interviews with jury members, cultural events, and informal meetings aimed at strengthening friendly ties between participants.

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