Only the Top 15 finalists in the 2009 Miss Universe pageant competed in the swimsuit competition. Check out pictures of the hottest women in nothing but skimpy bikinis below...

Last week we brought you a sizzling gallery of all 80+ Miss Universe 2009 contestants doing bikini photo shoots on the beach and at the pool in the days leading up to the big night. (check out those pics here)

Unfortunately, when it comes down to the actual pageant, only the Top 15 contestants participate in the famous swimwear segment. At last night's event in the Bahamas, crowd favorites such as Miss USA Kristen Dalton and Miss Australia Rachael Finch strutted their stuff in front of an estimated one billion worldwide viewers.

"I think this is the most beautiful group of women I've ever seen," commented pageant co-owner Donald Trump.

Each contestant wore the official pageant swimsuit by BSC Swimwear and shoes from Nina Footwear. In the end, Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez beat runner-up Miss Dominican Republic Ada Aimee De la Cruz to be crowned Miss Universe 2009. This was the second year in a row (a pageant first) that Venezuela took home the crown.

Who do you think was the hottest contestant? Check out pictures of the Top 15 in their bikinis and leave a comment below!

Hasna Xhukici, Miss Albania

- Click pic for next page and more Miss Universe 2009 Swimsuit Competition pics -



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Miss Universe 2009 Winner Stefania Fernandez pictures!

Miss Universe 2008 Dayana Mendoza / Miss USA Kristen Dalton

All 84 Miss Universe contestants in bikinis

Image © Miss Universe Organization L.P., LLLP