Centerfold Photoshoot in NYC + 5 Days of Luxury in Barcelona

$50,000 cash prize

This is it—the opportunity to become Maxim’s next Centerfold model. Your image. Your legacy. Immortalized forever in the pages of Maxim Magazine. Step into the spotlight, spark your career, and claim the center stage.

💸   $50,000 Cash
📸   New York City Centerfold Photoshoot
📰   Your Maxim Magazine Centerfold Feature

🌍   5-Day Luxury Trip for 2 to Barcelona
❤️   $10,000 Charity Donation in Your Name

Be The Image Everyone Remembers.

Winning Centerfold means your name and your body of work become part of Maxim history.
The path is simple: start in the group phase, win your group, and move into elimination rounds. Supporters vote to push you higher until the Top 3 models earn $5,000 each and a Miami photoshoot. From there, our judges decide who claims the crown—and the Centerfold feature.

“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.”

- Lexi Kaleiia
Cover Girl 2023

“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.”

- Janel Tanna
Cover Girl 2018

“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.”

- Elizabeth Nguyen
Cover Girl 2019

“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.”

- Jessica Carter
Cover Girl 2020

WINNER

Alkina Morana

"Winning Maxim Cover Girl is a dream come true. Being a model, actress, and dancer has always been about expressing my true self—and this win validates that fire I bring. I’m honored to stand as a dual finalist in Cover Girl and Hot Girl Summer, but taking the crown is the ultimate milestone. Thank you to everyone who believed in me—your support made this moment possible.”

Alkina Won
💵
$25,000
🏨
VIP trip to Miami for a professional photoshoot  and will be featured in Maxim Magazine

It’s Free & Easy to Sign up.

📸
Upload your photos — Half-body and full-body shots tend to stand out the most.
💬
Share a quick message — Tell people why they should vote for you; keep it authentic and memorable.
📲
Follow @maximmag_covergirl on Instagram and @maxim.cover.girl on TikTok to stay in the loop.
🔥
Want to get noticed? Post on TikTok or Instagram and tag #MaximCenterfold to show us your vibe.

Competition Overview

1

Register

2

Public Voting
Tournament

3

Interview
Round

4

Photoshoot Round

Top 3 models earn $5,000 each and a photoshoot round in Miami.

5

Grand Prize
$50K
  • Photoshoot - NYC
  • Centerfold Feature
  • Trip for 2 to Barcelona
  • $10K donation

Professional Centerfold Photoshoot

Our Centerfold Grand Prize winner will step onto the set in New York City for the photoshoot of a lifetime. You’ll work with a Maxim-approved team who knows how to capture your sexiest, boldest, most unforgettable images.

This is more than a photoshoot—it’s your signature. The spread that cements your place in Maxim Magazine, front and center, forever. Every shot will be magazine-worthy, every look iconic. This is your Centerfold moment.

How do I get votes?

Once you enter, you’ll get your own unique voting page to share. Supporters can cast free daily votes, or boost your chances by purchasing Maxim NEXT issues—every vote brings you closer to the crown and your Maxim Centerfold feature.

The Judges

Jessica Carter
2020 Maxim Cover Girl, Hair Specialist

"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."

Karin Agstam
Maxim Cover Stylist, Emmy Nominated Producer
"As a creative director, I’m always looking for models who bring something authentic and unique to their work. It’s not just about posing; it’s about using every moment in front of the camera to express who you are. I want to see personality shine through the images, that spark of creativity and desire that makes you unforgettable.

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."
Lexi Kaleiia
2023 Maxim Cover Girl, Professional Model

"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."

Gilles Bensimon
World-Renowned Photographer

“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,”

Janel Tanna M.D.
2018 Maxim Cover Girl, Award Winning Actress, Producer and Model

"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."

Elizabeth Nguyen
2019 Maxim Cover Girl, U.S. Figure Skating Double Gold Medalist

"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."

Deborah Altizio
Maxim Cover Makeup Artist, Award Winning Beauty Specialist

"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 Voting Works

Your fans and followers fuel your spotlight. Each round, each vote shows the world: you’re hot, you’re beautiful, you’re relevant.

🥇
Top 3 Models – $5,000 each + Miami photoshoot round
👑
Grand Prize Winner – $50,000, New York City centerfold photoshoot, Maxim Magazine Centerfold feature, 5-day luxury trip to Barcelona, and a $10,000 charity donation in your name

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.

Barcelona. Luxury Meets Legend.

Win, and Barcelona becomes your playground. Think rooftop cocktails with sweeping views, sun-drenched strolls along Mediterranean beaches, and nights alive with music, food, and heat.

Barcelona isn’t just a city—it’s an experience. A five-day, luxury escape for two, where history meets nightlife and every corner begs for a photograph. A prize fit for a Centerfold.

FAQs

Everything you need to know about your journey to the crown

🌟 What is Maxim Cover Girl?

Maxim Cover Girl is a modeling competition platform where contestants rally their fans, supporters, and followers to vote, rise through rounds, and earn the chance to win money, prizes, and recognition. 💫
Those with the most votes in their groups move forward, gaining exposure, building their personal brand, and advancing toward a Maxim Cover Girl crown.

🌟 Is the competition fair if I join later?

Absolutely. Every contestant must advance through the same public voting rounds to reach the interview and finals stages.
Joining later doesn’t put you at a disadvantage — everyone has the same opportunity to progress. Think of it like running the same race; some contestants just start on different days.

👥 What are groups?

Groups are the models you compete against in a round. Think of it like a class in school. Within each school, there are many students in their senior year – and they are in many classes, however, each school will have one valedictorian (the student with the highest grades).

🔄 What are Rounds?

Rounds are like levels in a game. At the end of each round, all votes are counted and top-ranked contestants move forward.
You can use the “See Rounds” feature on your dashboard to view how your competition is structured.
Each competition follows a similar flow:

  • Vote counts reset to 0 when new groups are formed (for fairness).
  • Winners and runners-up advance based on placement.
  • Some rounds include retries, wildcards, or comeback opportunities.

Example: In Round 1, you might compete against five other contestants. If you earn enough votes, you’ll move on to Round 2!

👨👩👧👦 Do I stay with the same people each round?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no!

  • Same Group Example: In the "Top 20," "Top 15," and "Top 10" rounds, you stay with the same people.  What’s actually happening is that the least active models are being eliminated in each round.
  • Different Group Example: In the "Quarterfinals," "Semifinals," and "Finals," you meet new competitors in each round.
📊 What happens after each round?

After each round ends:

  • Winners move to the winners' round.
  • Runner-ups (those who almost won) move to a runner-up round or sometimes stay in the same round for another chance at winning.
  • Others move to a wildcard round for another chance or move back a round (or are eliminated).
🎮 What if I don’t win a round?

Don’t give up — you might still have another shot!
Certain competitions include Wildcard Rounds, Runner-Up Rounds, or Extra Lives that let you fight your way back in.

🗳 Voting — How it works

Types of Public Votes

  • Daily Votes: Each voter can cast one (1) daily vote per contestant per day.
  • MAXIM NEXT Votes: Fans can purchase MAXIM NEXT Magazine issues that include additional votes.
    • Votes purchased through your profile automatically go to you.
    • Votes from other sources may allow the buyer to choose who receives them.
    • Only individuals of legal age may purchase MAXIM NEXT issues.

Votes and voters are verified for authenticity, and self-voting or paying others to vote is prohibited.

🎁 How do I earn Award or Prize Votes?

You can earn extra votes — called Award Votes or Prize Votes — through special challenges and promotions during the competition.

These may include:

  • Winning special challenges such as the Hot Shot Challenge or Profile Potential Challenge
  • Achieving top placement in a voting round or contest event
  • Participating in sponsor activities or limited-time promotions

Depending on the promotion, these votes may apply to all your active voting rounds or to a specific round.

⚡ Power-Ups & Comebacks

Extra Life

Earned through Extra Life Points (100 points = 1 Extra Life).
If you lose in an eligible round, an Extra Life automatically gives you another chance in a new group of the same round (not the final round).

Retry Badges

In competitions like Natural Beauty, Euro Summer, and Centerfold:

  • A losing entry without a Retry Badge automatically earns one and retries the same round once in a new group.
  • Retry Badges take precedence over Extra Lives (Extra Lives only apply if the retry also loses).
  • You can hold only one Retry Badge per round.

Overtime

If the top spot changes hands in the last moments, Overtime may extend the round (typically 30 minutes, up to two hours in some competitions). Votes during Overtime can sometimes apply to both the ending and following rounds if schedules overlap.

Digital Mystery Prizes

Some competitions award Digital Mystery Prizes — bundles of Award Votes or Extra Life Points revealed after you win them.

🎁 Prizes & Recognition

Each competition offers its own prize structure.
Examples include:

  • Hot Girl Summer Barbados:
    • 12 levels of Winners and Runners-Up, each earning Digital Mystery Prizes.
    • The Grand Prize winner becomes the official MAXIM Hot Girl Summer Barbados Champion and enjoys a Barbados photoshoot experience, submitting at least 25 photos and 10 videos for Maxim content features.
  • MAXIM Big Game Weekend:
    • Multi-section structure where top contestants advance through competitive groups toward the finals surrounding the Big Game celebration.
  • MAXIM Workout Warrior:
    • Fitness-themed competition with tiered “Workout” rounds leading to the finals.
  • MAXIM Natural Beauty:
    • Focused on effortless beauty and confidence. Features Retry Badge Rounds and comeback opportunities.
  • MAXIM Euro Summer:
    • Features Repeat Public Votes (returning fans double their votes) and Double Public Voting in the last 12 hours of each round.
  • MAXIM Radiance:
    • Celebrates women 40 and over.
    • Includes Double MAXIM NEXT Votes and Double Public Voting in the final 12 hours of each round.
  • MAXIM Centerfold:
    • Features large “Top 20” groups (up to 100 contestants).
    • Includes multiple phases, Retry Badge Rounds, and extended bracketed advancement.

All prizes are listed in U.S. dollars and must be accepted as awarded.
Taxes and travel or incidental costs are the winner’s responsibility unless otherwise specified.

🎤 Interviews & 📸 Photoshoots

Interviews:

If you advance to the interview stage, you’ll be contacted via text message by a competition coordinator. They may ask for your social handle to give you a shout-out before sending you a link to our interview calendar, where you can pick a time that works best for your online video interview.

Some interviews may be recorded as part of the finalist selection process.

Photoshoots:

Certain competitions include a professional photoshoot for finalists or winners.

  • You must be available on the dates set by the Sponsor.
  • Round-trip airfare and hotel accommodations are included as outlined in the Promotion Rules.
  • If you can’t attend, your participation may be forfeited.

🔎 Verification & 🚫 Disqualification

The Promotion Administrator may request proof of eligibility (e.g., government ID).
Entries or votes may be disqualified for:

  • Incomplete or false information
  • Tampering, bot use, or vote manipulation
  • Self-voting or paying others to vote
  • Inappropriate or disruptive conduct
  • Failure to attend required interviews or photoshoots

Disqualified contestants may lose prizes or be removed from current and future contests.

💫 Conduct & Representation

By entering, you represent the Maxim brand. Contestants agree to:

  • Follow all laws and treat others with respect
  • Avoid harassment, profanity, excessive intoxication, or offensive content
  • Maintain professionalism during any Maxim event or travel
  • Refrain from disparaging Maxim, its partners, or other contestants

Violations can lead to immediate removal, disqualification, or forfeiture of prizes.

📆 Registration Windows

Each competition has its own registration period and progression schedule:

  • Big Game Weekend: June 11 – Aug 31 2025
  • Workout Warrior: July 2 – Sept 27 2025
  • Natural Beauty: Aug 8 – Nov 14 2025
  • Radiance: Aug 29 – Dec 4 2025
  • Euro Summer: Sept 2 – Nov 24 2025

Centerfold: Sept 16 2025 – Feb 1 2026

🧭 How to Build Momentum

Promote your voting link across your social media, group chats, and fan base.

  • Post updates and thank voters
  • Share stories, behind-the-scenes photos, and shout-outs

Encourage repeat participation — loyal fans make a huge difference

🆘 Need more help?

Talk to our interactive agent via the chat for immediate help OR contact our support team if you have more questions! Ask for an agent if your question is not initially being answered.