Daniela Reyes, the Cuban model and influencer based in Miami, has once again captivated social media with a runway reel that has garnered 27,000 likes and over 1,400 comments, showcasing her impressive evolution leading up to the final of Miss Universe Cuba 2026.
The video, posted this Monday on her Instagram account —where she has over a million followers—, shows Daniela with a confident and elegant presence that contrasts with her steps as if she were on a runway, which her followers have celebrated en masse.
Alongside the reel, the Cuban shared a message specifically aimed at other women: "I hope my journey inspires other women to believe in themselves… even when they feel they still have much to learn. We all start somewhere, but I know that dedication has the power to turn potential into reality."
The post sparked a flurry of reactions among her followers, who quickly flooded it with praise and expressions of support. Many highlighted her beauty and presence, calling her "beautiful," "gorgeous," and "lovely," while others directly crowned her as "queen" and claimed that "there's no competition."
There were also those who highlighted her evolution within the competition, noting that each appearance surpasses the last and that her preparation shows discipline and dedication. Several comments pointed out that Daniela proudly represents Cuban women, emphasizing her charisma, elegance, and strength, even asserting that she is ready for major international stages. Amid the general enthusiasm, messages filled with emotion, admiration, and pride were abundant, with supporters claiming that “she left us speechless,” that “she is fire, she is art, she is beauty,” and that this could be her great moment.
Daniela is one of the selected candidates from over 100 participants in the contest, and she currently leads the favorites' ranking by a wide margin.
Her journey to the competition began in April 2025 when she posted a cryptic message saying, “Something big is coming,” and it wasn’t until May 29, 2026, that she officially confirmed her candidacy with the phrase, "I want to represent Cuba."
Since then, she has been involved in several moments that captured the public's attention, including surprising everyone during the casting by responding fluently in English, a language she learned entirely on her own in Cuba. "I learned it completely by myself in Cuba, watching videos and practicing," she explained in June.
Her rapid rise as a favorite is even more remarkable when considering that Daniela had no prior experience in beauty pageants before this process, and her evolution on the runway has been one of the most talked-about elements among those following the competition.
The final gala of Miss Universe Cuba 2026 is scheduled for August 12 in Miami, and the winner will travel to San Juan, Puerto Rico, to represent Cuba at Miss Universe 2026 in November, at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum.
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