Winner of the world’s first controversial Miss AI contest crowned

Kenza Layli has been announced as the world’s first Miss AI. 

The controversial cyber pageant was unveiled in April, receiving global attention as the first award to recognise AI creators around the world – while also drawing criticism for judging women, even fake ones, on their looks.

Despite being dubbed as ‘futuristic’, by the judges, the contest has been criticised for reinforcing toxic gendered beauty norms and amplifying them through an unrealistic lens.

However, the competition offered a total prize package worth more than $20,000 (£16,000), with the winner taking home the top prize of $5,000, plus an ‘imagine creator mentorship programme’ worth $3,000.

Now, a month after the top 10 short list was announced, Kenza Layli has been crowned the Fanvue World AI Creator Awards (WAICAs) world’s first Miss AI.

Lalina Valina (France) and Olivia C (Portugal), who came in second and third place, respectively.

Around 1,500 AI creators entered the awards, from territories including America, Africa, South America, India, Japan, China, South Korea, and Europe. 

Kenza accepted her award with an AI-generated speech where she thanked her fellow contestants, reaffirmed her commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity – and her belief in AI helping improve lives.

She has amassed 138,000 followers on Instagram and has worked with global brands including Hyundai and Bioderma. Her creator will receive prizes worth $13,000, including $5,000 cash, promotional support on Fanvue, and a dedicated publicist to help grow her profile.

The judging panel, chosen by the organisers, was made up of Aitana Lopez, an AI-generated ‘model’, leading pageantry historian Sally-Ann Fawcett, and Frank PR founder Andrew Bloch.

Morocco’s Kenza Layli crowned world’s first Miss AI (Picture: Miss AI/SWNS)

Kenza Layli has beaten 1500 applicants to become Miss AI (Picture: Miss AI / SWNS)

They assessed the contestants based on three criteria: realism, tech, and social clout.

Winner Kenza Layli said: ‘Winning Miss AI motivates me even more to continue my work in advancing AI technology. AI isn’t just a tool, it’s a transformative force that can disrupt industries, challenge norms, and create opportunities where none existed before.

‘I firmly believe that AI has the potential to revolutionise industries, solve complex problems, and improve lives worldwide. As we move forward, I am committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity within the field, ensuring that everyone has a seat at the table of technological progress.’

Lalina, from France, came in second place (Picture: SWNS)

Olivia C from Portugal, came in third (Picture: Miss AI/ SWNS)

Lalina’s creator, who came in second place said: ‘I started this adventure in November 2024, starting from scratch.

‘Working alone on Lalina, its content and its social networks was a real challenge. At the beginning, I never imagined reaching this level. Every day I dedicate hours to creating creative, coherent and realistic content for Lalina. Finishing second in the Miss AI 2024 pageant is a huge reward for all this hard work.

‘I am honoured and happy with this result, and it motivates me even more to continue improving my content. I would like to thank the Fanvue World AI Creator Awards for organising the event, as well as everyone who supports me. This is just the beginning of this incredible adventure!’

The top three contestants were chosen from 10 finalists who made the shortlist from 1,500 applicants. The contestants ranged from travel influencer Olivia C, from Portugal, to Aiyana Rainbow, from Romania, whose creators have dubbed as their AI voice for LGBT acceptance. The list also featured applicants from Bangladesh, France, India and Brazil. 

Seren Ay from Turkey (Picture: Miss AI / SWNS)

Zara Shatavari from India (Picture: Miss AI / SWNS)

Miss AI: Anne Kerdi from France (Picture: Miss AI / SWNS)

Asena Ilik, Turkey (Picture: Miss AI / SWNS)

Ailya Lou (Picture: Miss AI / SWNS)

Eliza Khan from Bangladesh (Picture: Miss AI / SWNS)

Aiyana Rainbow from Romania (Picture: Miss AI / SWNS)