Think you’ve got what it takes to be the next Maxim Cover Girl? There’s only one way to prove it. This isn’t just a contest—it’s a high-stakes, career-launching showdown where beauty, confidence, and influence separate the contenders from the champions. Let’s break down exactly how this competition works and how you can take home $100,000 and a Maxim cover shoot in NYC.
The first phase of the competition is a battle for votes; traverse 4 groups of public voting and you’ll earn an interview. The first group, five intense weeks, you’ll go against models who entered at the same time as you. Every week, only the strongest survive. The votes you earn carry over, so the more momentum you build, the better your chances of staying in the game.
The final week of this stage is called the Group Finals, where only five models remain. Here’s where things get serious:
- 1st place advances straight to the Quarterfinals (VIP status).
- 2nd place takes the scenic route—entering the Quarterfinal Wild Card round for another shot at advancing.
- 3rd, 4th, and 5th place get one last chance in the Wild Card Qualifier round. Win, and you’re still in. Lose? Game over.
Now it’s a whole new playing field. The bracket-style tournament means you’re up against fresh competition every round—and the votes reset. No carryovers. No safety nets. Every round is a fight to stay in the game.
- Win the Quarterfinals? You’re into the Semi-Finals.
- Win the Semi-Finals? Welcome to the Finals.
- Win the Finals? You’re officially one of the top contenders for the Maxim Cover Girl title.
Past the Finals, public voting ends, and the real test begins.
Finalists enter the virtual interview round, where Maxim’s industry-expert judges step in. If you bring the looks, the personality, and the star power, you could be invited to the exclusive in-person photoshoot in Miami.
This is your make-or-break moment—a high-end, professional shoot that puts you in front of top photographers and decision-makers. The judges then score each model, and only one champion will emerge.
The Grand Prize: Your Moment in the Spotlight
The Maxim Cover Girl winner isn’t just walking away with a title—they’re stepping into the spotlight with:
- A $100,000 prize
- A professional cover shoot in New York City
- A career-changing feature in Maxim
This isn’t just a contest—it’s a launchpad into professional modeling, high-end campaigns, and next-level opportunities.
NEW THIS YEAR: Wild Card Rounds
Had an off week? No sweat. We’ve added Semi-Final and Finals Wild Card rounds—a second chance for models who make it far but don’t win their round. If you lose in the Finals, you can still fight your way back for one more shot at victory.
This is your time. Your opportunity. Your shot at Maxim history. So bring your A-game, be unforgettable, and make every round count.
Let’s see who’s got what it takes.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. Each Promotion is open only to legal residents of the 50 U.S. States & DC, female, age of majority+. Void elsewhere and where prohibited. Each Promotion is subject to the Master Rules and its own Promotion Rules which contain a description of the Promotion, entry methods, prizes, odds, and other details and restrictions. Master Rules and Promotion Rules are available here.
