Miss South Africa crowned Miss World

Twenty two-year-old South African Rolene Strauss has been crowned this year's Miss World in London.

Miss World 2014, South African Rolene Strauss (Front-C) flanked by second place Miss Hungary Edina Kulcsar (L) and third place Miss United States Elizabeth Safrit (R) (EPA/FACUNDO ARRIZABALAGA)

Miss South Africa, 22-year-old Rolene Strauss, has been crowned Miss World 2014 at the pageant's final in London.

An estimated billion viewers watched the Sunday ceremony on television around the globe.

Miss Hungary, Edina Kulcsar, was the runner-up and Miss United States, Elizabeth Safrit, came third in the 64th annual competition, contested by women from 121 countries.

Strauss clasped her hands together in surprise and was presented with the sash by the outgoing Miss World, Megan Young of the Philippines.

The medical student sat in the winner's throne as the 2013 champion put the glittering crown on her head before a fireworks finale at the ExCeL exhibition centre in east London.

"South Africa this is for you," Strauss said afterwards.

"I think I will brace myself for what's about to happen. It's a huge responsibility."