Photos: Miss Universe 2011 Swimsuit Competition

The Miss Universe 2011 swimsuit presentation took place on Thursday night, as the international beauties showed their stuff in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The skimpy bathing suits caused controversy earlier in the week, when the bikinis used a in a promotional shoot had be be returned. Made by Brazilian company Catalina Brasil Swimwear, the swimwear was deemed to be too short for TV.

The Miss Universe pageant is owned by Donald Trump, who has again appointed himself one of the judges. The competition officially takes place on Sept. 12, but an number of events over the last week have already heated up the pageant.

So who is the front runner to win the Miss Universe title?

Not one to miss a betting opportunity, bookmaker Paddy Power have set odds for the competition, ranking the United States as the most likely to win. As of Sept. 4, the odds are set at:

USA (6-1); China (15-2); Canada (14-1); Australia (14-1); Ireland (16-1); Kosovo (16-1); Argentina (18-1); Ukraine (18-1); Brazil (20-1); Venezuela (20-1); Philippines (20-1); Mexico (20-1); Netherlands (25-1); Israel (25-1); Trinidad & Tobago (25-1); Angola (25-1)

Will the swimsuit program change the odds?