Ella Portelli, representing St. Julians, was crowned Miss Universe Malta 2023 at the finale of the national pageant held on Friday, 30th June 2023 at the Hilton Malta in St. Julian's. Ella will now represent Malta at Miss Universe 2023 in El Salvador later this year.

Ella Sophie Portelli is a 25-year-old interior designer. She bested 24 other competitors to win the national title. Ella, through her reign, wishes to empower and inspire others to never stop believing in themselves and to show that you can do anything you set your mind to.

Ella attended the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) where she studied spatial design and interior architecture. Not new to the pageantry, in 2020, Ella competed against 24 other candidates at Miss World Malta 2020 where she was runner-up to Naomi Dingli.

On winning the national crown, Ella took to her official social media as she wrote, “Beyond honored and grateful to have been crowned Miss Universe Malta 2023. This incredible journey wouldn't have been possible without the unwavering support of @alan_j_darmanin and the Miss Universe Malta Organization, who believed in my dreams and provided me with this life-changing opportunity. Forever grateful for their guidance and encouragement.”

The newly crowned Miss Universe Malta 2023 Ella Sophie Portelli’s court included Julia Ann Cluett of Floriana and Ntombi Malinga of San Gwann who were adjudged first and second runners-up respectively. Top 6 finalists also included Rebecca Camilleri of Sliema, Amy Spiteri of Ghaxaq, and Greta Craus of Rabat.

Ella Sophie Portelli succeeds and was crowned by Miss Universe Malta 2022 Maxine Formosa Gruppetta who represented her country at Miss Universe 2022 and bagged the Miss Congeniality award at the end of the event finale.