Miss Universe Croatia 2025: Meet the finalists

(Photo: PR / Šime Aviani)

The grand finale of Miss Universe Croatia 2025 will take place on 28 April in the Emerald Ballroom of Hotel Esplanade in Zagreb, where 14 beautiful and inspiring young women will compete for the coveted crown.

Below, we bring you their official portraits and short biographies of all the finalists.

Last week, the contestants completed the first phase of their preparations in Zagreb and Čepin, staying at the newly opened Wellness and Wholeness Hotel Materra, where the official photos were also taken.

“All credit to the girls for their professionalism. They posed for photographer Šime Aviani and his assistant Emanuel Mancy in Pletix swimwear, braving the chilly northern breeze in the beautiful setting outside the hotel. A big thank you as well to the entire team—make-up artist Maja Zatezalo, the stylists from Škare & Kosa hair studio in Osijek, our partners at Schwarzkopf Professional, and Boris Šeper who filmed the video content,” said Marija Kraljević, director of the Miss Universe Croatia competition.

Viewers will be able to watch the live event on Jutarnji.hr, with a recorded broadcast set to air on CMC Television a few days later.

“Hotel Materra truly felt like a home away from home. The entire team ensured that after a long day of activities, the girls could unwind at the spa, the pool, and the sauna. It was impossible to resist the Slavonian culinary specialities and perfectly prepared meals at the hotel’s ‘Crna Svinja’ restaurant. I’m confident these preparations will be a cherished memory,” shared Vladimir Kraljević, the national licence holder of Miss Universe Croatia.

On 28 April, we’ll find out which of the finalists will receive the crown from last year’s winner, Zrinka Ćorić, crafted by Zlatarna Dodić.

The winner will earn the honour of representing Croatia at the global Miss Universe pageant, which will be held on 21 November in Thailand.

In addition to the title, the winner will receive a host of prestigious prizes, including a scholarship worth up to €20,000 from the Zagreb School of Economics and Management (ZŠEM) for a four-year undergraduate or MBA programme.

Watched by up to a billion viewers across 170 countries, Miss Universe® is a truly global event. The current Miss Universe® is Victoria Kjær Theilvig from Denmark, a 21-year-old international dance competitor, entrepreneur, mental health advocate, animal rights defender, and aspiring lawyer.

Miss Universe Croatia 2025 Finalists

1. Rafaela Bartulović, 27 – Bjelovar

Rafaela Bartulović (Photo: PR / Šime Aviani)

Education: Graduated in Laboratory Biomedicine from the Faculty of Pharmacy in Ljubljana
Languages: English, Slovenian

Rafaela holds a Master’s degree in Laboratory Biomedicine from the Faculty of Pharmacy in Ljubljana. During her studies, she received numerous accolades including a national STEM Excellence Scholarship, the Dean’s Award for Best Student, Dean’s Commendation for Outstanding Academic Achievement, and the Dean’s Recognition for overall success in her Master’s programme.

Her work was published in the Journal of Applied Health Sciences in January 2022. Passionate, ambitious, and driven by excellence, Rafaela enjoys sport, art, meeting new people, and above all – travelling. Just last year, she visited four life-shaping destinations: the Maldives, Dubai, the Canary Islands, and Rome.

Always eager to help, she volunteers within academic circles and offers support to fellow students. As Miss Universe Croatia, she hopes to promote education and empower young women in STEM.

2. Antonija Blažević, 22 – Zagreb

Antonija Blažević (Photo: PR / Šime Aviani)

Education: Graduated from Orašje Vocational Secondary School
Languages: English

A trained agricultural technician, Antonija chose her profession because of her love for nature. She describes herself as simple, genuine, and down-to-earth, with a strong passion for art, fashion, and sports. In her free time, she enjoys modelling, cycling, and athletics.

Through her role as Miss Universe Croatia, she hopes to continue her work with children, something she already actively pursues through volunteering.

3. Matea Blažević, 25 – Đakovo

Matea Blažević (Photo: PR / Šime Aviani)

Education: Studying Biology at Josip Juraj Strossmayer University, Osijek
Languages: English, German

Despite undergoing heart surgery, Matea remained unwavering in her goals. Her challenges taught her courage, perseverance, and how to inspire others. She practises pilates and enjoys long walks with her pets.

Daily workouts help her maintain physical and mental balance. Curious by nature, she spends time reading and learning new things. As Miss Universe Croatia, Matea wants to encourage people to believe in themselves and to never let obstacles define their journey.

4. Ana Čulina, 18 – Svinjarevci

Ana Čulina (Photo: PR / Šime Aviani)

Education: Final-year student at the School of Applied Arts and Design in Osijek
Languages: English

Ana plans to study architecture, drawn to the blend of art, functionality, and creativity. Open-minded and curious, she enjoys trying new foods, activities, and exploring different ideas.

A passionate animal lover, she strives to be a voice for the voiceless. Aware of the platform Miss Universe Croatia offers, she hopes to inspire others through humanitarian efforts.

5. Ana Dolinar, 22 – Zagreb

Ana Dolinar (Photo: PR / Šime Aviani)

Education: Studying Commerce at the Faculty of Economics, University of Zagreb
Languages: English, German, Russian

Ana’s hobbies include learning foreign languages, reading Russian literature, swimming, and nature walks. She is known for her positive energy, empathy, and desire to help those in need. Her natural charisma helps her form meaningful connections.

As Miss Universe Croatia, she would focus on supporting underprivileged children, guiding them towards a brighter future.

6. Laura Gnjatović, 23 – Zadar

Laura Gnjatović (Photo: PR / Šime Aviani)

Education: Undergraduate Nursing student at the University of Dubrovnik
Languages: English, Italian, Spanish

Originally from Zadar and now based in Dubrovnik, Laura is balancing her nursing studies, a job at a clinic, and playing professional volleyball for the Dubrovnik Women’s Volleyball Club.

She makes time for the things she loves – being in nature, dancing, painting, playing guitar, and creating content. A strong advocate for physical and mental wellbeing, Laura wants to use her platform to amplify unheard voices and promote health awareness.

7. Monika Klobučar, 25 – Pisarovina

Monika Klobučar (Photo: PR / Šime Aviani)

Education: Graduated from Velika Gorica Vocational Secondary School
Languages: English

Monika owns a hair salon, where she enjoys connecting with clients. A passionate traveller, she’s visited 27 countries and loves exploring cultures and cuisines. Dancing is her creative outlet – from majorette performances to pole and heels dance.

She has always dreamed of helping children in need, and will soon travel to Tanzania to provide essentials for children living in poverty.

8. Dolores Kraševac, 19 – Kamanje

Dolores Kraševac (Photo: PR / Šime Aviani)

Education: Studying Chemistry and Biology at the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb
Languages: English

Now in her first year, Dolores dreams of a career in scientific research and empowering women in science. She’s worked on projects creating cosmetics for care homes, promoting mental health awareness, and encouraging young people to get involved in their communities.

She enjoys nature walks, reading, and pilates – and hopes to support mental health charities and women’s initiatives as Miss Universe Croatia.

9. Ivona Mamić, 20 – Split

Ivona Mamić (Photo: PR / Šime Aviani)

Education: Studying at the Faculty of Economics, University of Split
Languages: English

Ivona is a trained nurse currently studying economics while working in private clinics. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, hiking, running, and rollerblading. A fearless optimist, she embraces new challenges and opportunities. As Miss Universe Croatia, she would advocate for mental health awareness.

10. Anđela Mlinar, 20 – Vinkovci

Anđela Mlinar (Photo: PR / Šime Aviani)

Education: Graduated from Matija Antun Reljković Grammar School; studying vocal performance at music school
Languages: English

Anđela is pursuing opera singing to develop her music career, and has been writing songs and poetry since childhood. She helps run her family business and sees herself as a young entrepreneur.

As Miss Universe Croatia, she would perform at charity concerts and volunteer at animal shelters.

11. Ema Rutić, 20 – Zagreb

Ema Rutić (Photo: PR / Šime Aviani)

Education: Studying at the Faculty of Economics, University of Zagreb
Languages: English

Ema plans to use her academic knowledge to launch her own business. Her favourite pastimes include makeup, ice skating, and spending time with friends.

Her deep love for children, sparked by caring for her younger brother, motivates her to support children in care as Miss Universe Croatia.

12. Lea Turkalj, 23 – Vukovar

Lea Turkalj (Photo: PR / Šime Aviani)

Education: Studying Nursing at the Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Osijek
Languages: English

Sport and fitness are central to Lea’s life – from the gym to long runs and a healthy diet. She loves nature, her family and friends, and her dog Jackie.

A former national majorette champion and a skilled beader, Lea believes sport teaches discipline, resilience, and self-confidence. Her platform would focus on promoting a healthy lifestyle.

13. Matea Tuškan, 23 – Bjelovar

Matea Tuškan (Photo: PR / Šime Aviani)

Education: Graduated from Bjelovar Commercial and Trade School
Languages: English

Matea is a proud mother to little Nika – her greatest source of strength. She enjoys the gym, nature walks, and has a background in athletics. After finishing school, she joined the Croatian Armed Forces before taking up retail work.

As a mother and a woman with a strong sense of purpose, she wishes to focus on supporting orphaned children.

14. Melita Vrbetić, 20 – Ozalj

Melita Vrbetić (Photo: PR / Šime Aviani)

Education: Graduated from the Trade and Hospitality School in Karlovac; requalified as an economist
Languages: English, German

Melita’s strengths lie in communication, empathy, and organisation. She enjoys spending time with loved ones, shopping, and summer sports tournaments. Though not a professional athlete, she plays volleyball and is preparing for a bowling competition.

As Miss Universe Croatia, she would raise awareness for abandoned animals through advocacy and events.