She also won the Miss Radiance Award earlier in 2026.
Fay Fernandes was crowned Miss Goa International 2026 at the inaugural pageant held in the United Kingdom.
The Grand Finale took place at Radisson RED, London Heathrow, on September 6, 2026.
Fay, who is originally from Assolna in South Goa, represented the Sash Title “Miss Quepem” and was crowned the first Miss Goa International.
She received her certificate from former UK Minister Keith Vaz, her Sash from actress Holly Prentice and her crown from international title holder Meurel Beverly Viegas.
Fay Fernandes moved countries at the age of 12 and was raised by her mother Janery Diniz.
She is currently studying Accounting and Finance and is focused on building a successful future while remaining connected to her Goan roots.
Fay previously reached the Top 10 in the Miss Great Britain London heats. She also won the Miss Radiance Award earlier in 2026.
The First Runner-Up title went to Luanna Fernandes, who travelled from Goa to compete in the pageant.
Luanna received her certificate from Heathrow Airport Lounge Manager Savio Terry, her Sash from Seazel Fernandes and her crown from Holly Prentice.
Luanna began her modelling career at 17. She represented Goa at Elite Model Look India, where she secured a place in the Top 8.
Alongside modelling, she has pursued professional football, combining her sporting career with work in the fashion industry.
The Second Runner-Up was Erika Martha D’Costa, who is originally from Chinchinim and moved to the UK with her family at a young age.
Erika currently works as a cabin crew professional and has travelled internationally as part of her career.
She performed a dance during the Talent Round and was felicitated with a certificate by Romail Gulzar, founder of BritPunjabi News.
Her Sash was presented by Jaz Sidhu, Wellbeing Partner at Phytoventra, and her crown by cancer biologist and PhD research scholar Seazal Fernandes.
The first edition of Miss Goa International was directed by filmmaker and Emmy Voting Member Milroy Goés in collaboration with J&D Entertainment.
The pageant was founded by Milroy Goés, Navayah Films, Cranford community counsellor Vilber De Costa, Jason Diniz of J&D Entertainment and event architect Metroy Soares.
Each contestant was assigned a Sash Title representing one of Goa’s Talukas. Two finalists, Rachael Dsouza and Leticia Colaço, were unable to attend the Grand Finale due to unforeseen circumstances.
The pageant consisted of three rounds, beginning with the Introduction Round.
The second round was the Talent Round, with contestants performing their chosen talents.
Erika Martha D’Costa, Natania Dias, Trisha Mascarenhas, Nizzal Rodrigues, Luanna Fernandes and Fay Fernandes performed dance acts.
Delicia Pinto sang a Konkani song, while Adrina Desouza delivered a self-expression speech and Winona Rebello gave a public speech.
Richelle Travassos presented a live painting expressing Goa from the window.
The final round was the Question and Answer Round, where each judge asked questions that contributed to the contestants’ final scores.
Miss Goa International also recognised two women of Goan origin for their contributions to Goan culinary art.
Chef Carafina Pereira is the founder of Martin’s Corner in Betalbatim, Goa. She began her culinary journey in 1989 with the aim of creating a small family eatery from her home.
Her knowledge of traditional Goan flavours and focus on home-cooked food helped the business grow from a small operation into Martin’s Corner, one of South Goa’s best-known restaurants.
The restaurant became known for Goan seafood, traditional masalas and dishes including sorpotel, sausage bread, pork dishes and crab preparations.
Over more than three decades, Martin’s Corner has welcomed guests from around the world, including internationally recognised personalities and celebrities.
Chef Ashney Rebello was also felicitated for her contribution to culinary art.
She is a Canada-based chef, food writer, entrepreneur and ambassador for Goan culture.
Originally from Sarzora, Goa, she trained as a fashion designer at the National Institute of Fashion Technology before pursuing her interest in culinary arts.
She is also a certified chocolatier and founder of Ashney’s Artisan Company, which creates bespoke culinary and corporate gifting experiences.
The chef has worked to preserve and promote Goan culinary traditions through food, writing, cultural initiatives and philanthropy.
She currently serves as Social & Cultural Director of the Goan Overseas Association of Vancouver.
In 2026, she led a Goan-inspired High Tea initiative in Vancouver that brought together Goan chefs while raising funds for charity.
The pageant’s organisers said its wider aim was to “raise a face for Goa”, presenting the state not only as part of India but as a brand among the Goan diaspora worldwide.
They added: “Nowadays, anyone can become a star on social media, but that stardom isn’t as effective as truly winning a crown that has been judged and awarded. These are the true influencers.”
The pageant had a total prize fund of £10,000, which would be divided among the three winners.
