Miss Universe 1961, the 10th Miss Universe pageant, was held at the Miami Beach Auditorium in Miami Beach, Florida, United States, on 15 July 1961. At the end of the event, Linda Bement of the United States crowned Marlene Schmidt of West Germany as Miss Universe 1961, marking the first win for West Germany. Forty-eight countries and territories competed. The pageant was hosted by Johnny Carson.