The incumbent Miss New York Kira Kazantsev has won the Miss America beauty pageant on Sunday night at the Broadwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey.

The 22 years old beauty queen of Russian descent beat 52 other contestants to steal the nationwide accolade. This is the third time in a row a New York beauty queen has won Miss America.

Ms. Kazantsev described her achievement as 'monumental.' According to her, this may be the first time in the history of the pageant that any state has set such a record.

The aspiring diplomat, who is set to use her crown to promote awareness about domestic violence, has revealed that she will invest her $50,000 prize money into her education in law.

Many commentators have noted that Ms. Kazantsev's victory at the Miss America pageant may finally bring some proof to the old cliché that 'you can make it anywhere in the world if you can make it in New York City.' She noted that the hardworking culture of the city promotes independence among New Yorkers, which in turn inspires them to success.

Miss Virginia, Courtney Garrett, and Miss Arkansas, Ashton Campbell, were placed in the first and second runner-up positions respectively.

Miss America is one of the oldest beauty competitions in the country. This is the 88^th edition of the $30 million pageant and it was symbolically staged in New Jersey - where the first Miss America contest was staged in 1921.

The organizers of beauty contests in the country have been eager to alter the popular perception of beauty queens as sex symbols. Many pundits say the new the Miss America, who alma mater is Hofstra University, was selected for both her beauty and her wit.