$100,000 cash prize
Welcome to the 2026 Maxim Cover Girl competition—our longest-running and most prestigious event. This year, one extraordinary woman will take home $100,000 cash and earn her place on the cover of Maxim Magazine, permanently cementing her legacy in print.
💸 $100,000 Grand Prize
📖 Maxim Cover Feature
📸 Photoshoot in Venice, Italy - Winner
🌆 NYC Photoshoot Round for Top 3 Finalists
❤️ $5,000 Donation - Winner’s Choice
The Legacy Continues.
This is more than a competition—it’s a moment in history. Each year, Maxim Cover Girl celebrates confidence, beauty, and ambition by giving women a platform to be seen, celebrated, and remembered.
This year’s journey will take you from the bright lights of New York City to the romantic canals of Venice, with Maxim’s legendary photographer, Gilles Bensimon, capturing every breathtaking moment.
MAXIM is a Launchpad for Success
“My Life Changed Forever”
“By consistently posting every day, my following grew more and more. Influencers with large accounts reached out to me, and helped me by posting my content on their Instagram Stories. Much of my Instagram growth happened during the Maxim Cover Girl competition.”
“Maxim Cover Girl truly helped me refine and learn advertising, networking and marketing skills in my own way, which was and is very beneficial no matter which way one goes in life. Shooting with Gilles and the entire team was truly magical and will forever be held in my heart.”
“Being on the cover of Maxim is such a huge honor for me. It’s a way for me to represent minorities and bring diversity to the fashion industry. The funny thing is that I signed up literally in the back seat of my dad’s car while we were on our way to the ice rink for practice.”
“When I competed for the Maxim Cover the world was essentially shut down. Fortunately, with incredible support from my family and friends -my dream came to fruition! It was such an exciting experience to go through and I will forever be grateful and proud to have graced such an iconic cover.”
TOP THREE
Sasha
Eileen
Amanda
“This competition showed me that modeling isn’t about fitting into a box — it’s about owning who you are.” - Eileen Hayman
“Maxim gave me a reason to keep going. Every photo, every vote, every challenge made me stronger.” - Amanda Metzger
“Being part of Maxim taught me to stop underestimating myself — and to go for it.” - Sasha Liu
It’s Free & Easy to Sign up.
Competition Overview
Date
Submit your application by March 15 to secure your spot in the competition.
Date
Finalists will be announced on March 30. Stay tuned for the results!
Date
Join us for the photoshoot sessions on April 15 and 16 at our studio.
Date
Experience a day of creativity, fun, and professional photography at our exciting event!
Date
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Tournament
Round
- $100K Grand Prize
- Photoshoot - Venice Italy
- Maxim Cover Feature
- Trip for 2 to Venice, Italy
- $5K charity donation
Professional Photoshoot
Before Venice comes New York.
From the interview round, our judges will select the Top 3 models to travel to New York City for an exclusive photoshoot experience. You’ll meet the Maxim team, collaborate with top stylists, and walk away with $10,000 cash—a perfect warm-up before the grand finale in Italy.
How do I get votes?
Once you enter, you’ll receive your personal voting page to share. Supporters can cast daily votes or boost your rank by purchasing Maxim NEXT issues—every vote brings you closer to the cover, the crown, and your place in Maxim history.
The Judges
"The winner of any Maxim Cover Girl modeling competition should be striking and captivating. One of the most beautiful things about modeling is the personalization and uniqueness of each individual. There is no mold. Art and beauty is subjective, use your edge and compel us to choose you."
Stay true to your dream, set high goals and outline the actions that will lead you there. Remember that failing is a part of the learning process and that success is the result of consistency and hard work."
"Model Photography is a form of expression, an art, it not only captures and freezes a moment in time but it has the potential to tell a compelling story. Use this competition to tell your story, make your images speak for themselves, have them say one thousand words from the very second someone lays eyes on them.
Be your authentic self, be unforgettable. Become the woman you strive to be and portray her using your skills as an elegant and powerful model. I’ll see you at the finish line, I wish every single one of you the best of luck."
“I am looking for a Maxim cover girl who exudes confidence, sophistication, and has a magnetic presence. I want someone who embodies beauty, intelligence, and a strong sense of self. My ideal cover girl would be someone who embraces her individuality, radiates empowerment, and inspires others. She would represent the epitome of modern femininity but also have a touch of edginess and a dash of glamor that sets her apart from the rest,”
"Becoming a part of Maxim is such a special piece of my story. Maxim embraces not only physical, but intellectual and artistic talents. All of what we do combines to make us who we are, and in turn is encompassed in our exterior. Caring about one's mission and health is important. Our own unique features make us beautiful. I see modeling as one's unique beauty, passion and soul combining to create art. Good luck ladies. Shine bright! You are all amazing in your own way."
"My biggest advice is to put yourself out there and share your goals openly with your community—don’t be afraid to ask for support and for people to vote for you.
I’ve decided to leave behind the fear of not measuring up, to fully embrace who I am, and to go after my dreams wholeheartedly. Modeling was always something I dreamed of but never thought possible. Now, I’m living that dream, and I hope others find the courage to pursue their own."
"Showcasing your potential for a cover means submitting both natural and creative photos to highlight your range. Let your energy and personality draw in the audience. Keep it fun, stay relaxed, and take care of your skin. Most importantly, let your confidence and unique essence radiate through every shot!"
Guidance from Maxim Insiders
From experienced models and past winners to Maxim editors and creative pros, you’ll gain access to a community built to elevate you. Get real advice on how to pose, shape your brand, and build lasting momentum in your modeling career—with support that’s present, personal, and proven.
How The Competition Works
The competition begins with a five-week group phase. Win your group to advance through the elimination rounds, where votes decide who rises to the top.
How long does the contest run?
The competition unfolds over multiple rounds. Each round has its own cut-off date, so you’ll need to keep your audience engaged and voting for you daily to climb the ranks.
Venice, Italy
Where Art, Fashion, and Timeless Beauty Collide.
Venice is a dream painted in water and light—a city unlike anywhere else on earth. Elegant bridges, historic palazzos, and winding canals create a backdrop so stunning it feels like a film set come to life.
The 2026 Maxim Cover Girl will shoot her feature here, surrounded by centuries of art, culture, and the intoxicating charm that makes Venice the crown jewel of European fashion photography. Between gondolas and golden sunsets, this will be a photoshoot—and a moment—worth remembering forever.
