The Sofia Military Club hosted this year's national beauty pageant, and the grand winner was Simona Bakardzhieva, who prevailed over 30 contestants and was crowned Miss Bulgaria 2025. A natural presence, sports discipline, and unfeigned charm proved to be her distinguishing qualities in the competition.

A volleyball player with a crown

The interesting peculiarity about the new Miss Bulgaria is that she is an active volleyball player and has been competing professionally for over seven years. Just hours after the competition, she has a match with the capital's Slavia, whose colors she defends in the women's volleyball league.

"I have been competing professionally for over 7 years. In a few hours, I even have a match" (today "Slavia" plays "Minyor" in Pernik, editor's note), she said on the "Sabudi se" (Wake Up) show.

No experience in fashion, but with huge emotion

An interesting fact is that Simona has no experience in the fashion scene. Her participation in the pageant is her first such appearance in Bulgaria.

"I have nothing to do with fashion. This is my first competition in Bulgaria. I am very happy – the emotion was incredible," she shared.

Fair play and friendly atmosphere

Something Bakardzhieva particularly emphasizes is the positive atmosphere among the participants.

"All the girls were very positive... There was no envy, only a friendly attitude. I am very happy that I made friends," she said.

Online reaction: "Natural and beautiful - finally!"

Simona Bakardzhieva's selection also sparked a wave of comments in internet forums. Users shared that it had been a long time since there was such a natural-looking and beautiful Miss Bulgaria. Some even noted that "this time the choice is good, perhaps because the girl is not a professional 'kifla' (a derogatory term for a shallow, overly made-up girl) but an athlete," emphasizing her naturalness and athletic appearance as factors that made a strong impression on them.

Volleyball gains a new face

With the title "Miss Bulgaria 2025," Simona Bakardzhieva not only enters the history of the pageant but also becomes the new bridge between volleyball and the fashion scene. With her athletic will, charisma, and unpretentious beauty, she has all the qualities to become a recognizable face off the court.

photo: bulphoto.com