The grand finale of Joy Model Hunt Nepal Season 9 unfolded in style at the Regal Ballroom of Hotel Yak & Yeti in Durbarmarg, where 33 aspiring female models and 17 male contestants showcased their talent on the runway. This prestigious event, celebrated as Nepal’s largest modeling competition, concluded with Bivash Bista and Neha Budha being crowned the male and female winners, respectively. Along with their titles, they earned the opportunity to represent Nepal at the Mr. & Miss Celebrity International 2025 pageant in Cambodia.
Aditya Thapaliya and Mona K.C. were named first runners-up, while Allen Dongol and Chandani Shrestha secured the second runner-up positions. The top five finalists in the male category included Manish Gautam and Prasun Kumar, while Pooja Singh Rajput and Rani Khadka made it to the top five in the female category.
The female contestants dazzled in creations by renowned Nepali designers such as Smriti Lamsal, Sila, and KASA, while the male contestants showcased outfits from international brands like Blackberrys and Cantabil. Despite many participants making their runway debut, their confidence and poise rivaled that of seasoned professionals. The top twelve female and top eight male contestants presented designs by Manish Rai, leading to the selection of the top five in each category and culminating in the announcement of the winners.
The three-hour event, organized by Next Models Nepal and directed by Ravi Dhamala and Yetana Pandey, featured choreography by supermodel Sabita Karki and was hosted by media personality and fashion choreographer Rozin Shakya.
Special Awards Highlights:
Most Stylish Award: Manish Gautam and Jenita Century
KFC Best Personality Award: Sujal Shrestha and Dr. Anima Bhandari
Realme Best Walk Award: Chewang Sherpa and Pooja Singh Rajput
Beach House Public Choice Award: Aditya Kaushal and Saru Karki (Doli Pariyar)
Artesium Productions Most Photogenic Award: Prasun Kumar and Anuja Poudel
Regal Fitness Model Award: Ayan Chaudhary
Best Figure Award: Neha Budha
Cantabil Top Model Award: Bivash Bista and Chandani Shrestha
Khalti Most Popular Award: Kritika Khadka and Khemraj Pokharel
The judging panel for the final round included former Miss Nepal winners Malvika Subba and Namrata Shrestha, Mr. Nepal 2024 winner Santosh Loksam Limbu, Joy Cosmetics Nepal’s head Madan Rauniyar, fashion choreographer Manish Rai, and supermodel Astha Pokharel.
The evening was a celebration of talent, style, and ambition, marking another successful chapter in Nepal’s modeling and fashion industry.
