The 25-year-old business student from the town of Benguela in Angola, Leila Lopes beat 88 other competitors to win the 60th anniversary of the world's biggest beauty pageant. Miss Ukraine, 23-year-old Olesia Stefanko was crowned first runner-up, whereas Priscila Machado of Brazil was named second runner-up. Miss Philippines Shamcey Supsup and Miss China Zilin Luo finished at fourth and fifth place respectively.

During her interview question Lopes said, "Thank God I'm very satisfied with the way God created me and I wouldn't change a thing." She also added "I consider myself a woman endowed with inner beauty. I have acquired many wonderful principles from my family and I intend to follow these for the rest of my life."

In the special award category of the Miss Universe 2011, Miss Montenegro – Nikolina Loncar won Miss Congeniality, Miss Sweden – Ronnia Fornstedt won Miss Photogenic and Miss Panama – Sheldry Saez won Best National Costume award. The Miss Universe 2011 pageant was judged by celebrities including Indy race car driver Helio Castroneves, supermodel Isabeli Fontana and Miss Universe 2003 Amelia Vega among others, whereas the show was hosted by U.S. television personalities Andy Cohen and Natalie Morales.