$30,000 cash prize
Maxim Cover Girl is partnering with Salty Mermaid Swimwear for a one-of-a-kind competition celebrating fearless women who make waves wherever they go. This is your chance to shine in the spotlight, be featured by a leading swimwear brand, and show the world what real confidence looks like.
💸 $30,000 Cash
📸 Los Angeles Photoshoot Experience
👙 Featured on SaltyMermaid.com
🌊 Become a Salty Mermaid Campaign Model
📲 Salty Mermaid Social Media Feature
A Global Stage for Timeless Allure.
Salty Mermaid is more than swimwear—it’s a state of mind. Created by women who believe beauty knows no boundaries, the brand empowers every woman to live boldly, laugh loudly, and own her body unapologetically.
From tropical escapes to city rooftops, Salty Mermaid fits like freedom—because feeling good never goes out of style.
Follow @saltymermaidswim and @maximmag_covergirl on Instagram for competition updates, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes sneak peeks.
MAXIM is a Launchpad for Success
PREVIOUS WINNER
Alkina Morana
"Winning a Maxim Cover Girl Competition 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.”
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
- $30,000 Grand Prize
- Spotlight on SaltyMermaid.com
- Become a Salty Mermaid Campaign Model
- Salty Mermaid Social Media Spotlight
Professional Photoshoot
Your journey leads to the coast of California, where confidence meets the camera. You’ll work with a professional team to capture the sun, the swimwear, and the spirit of Salty Mermaid.
Every image will channel freedom and power—tailored to the brand’s bold, body-positive energy. Selected shots will appear on SaltyMermaid.com and across Salty Mermaid’s social media platforms.
How do I get votes?
Once you enter, you’ll get your own unique voting page to share. Supporters can cast daily votes, or boost your chances by purchasing Maxim NEXT issues—every vote brings you closer to becoming the next Salty Mermaid Brand Model.
The Judges
Sarah Jon is the founder and creative force behind "Salty Mermaid Swim", a bold and empowering swimwear brand celebrated for its fearless designs and body-positive mission. Her work has made waves at Miami Swim Week and earned multiple coveted features inSports Illustrated, solidifying her place among the industry’s most inspiring female entrepreneurs. With a passion for helping women feel confident, beautiful, and unstoppable, SJ brings her signature mix of sophistication, creativity, and glam to the judging panel.
Being part of Maxim is an opportunity to celebrate individuality and confidence in every form. Modeling isn’t just about appearance it’s about storytelling through emotion, energy, and authenticity. Every pose, every glance is a reflection of who we are and what we stand for. I believe beauty comes from embracing your uniqueness and owning your journey with pride. Chase your dreams fearlessly, lift others along the way, and let your light speak louder than words. Believe in yourself, your passion, your power because the world deserves to see it shine :)
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.
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.
Guidance from Maxim Insiders
Betwen experienced models and creative pros at Salty Mermaid and Maxim, you’ll gain access to a community designed to elevate you. Get real guidance on posing, shaping your personal brand, and building lasting momentum in your modeling career—with support that’s genuine, hands-on, and proven to help you grow.
How Voting Works
Public votes decide who moves forward in each round and who earns an interview with the Judges Panel
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.
LOS ANGELES Where Sunlight Meets Stardom.
Los Angeles is the pulse of sunshine and style—where endless beaches meet city lights and every corner hums with creative energy. Picture yourself walking Venice Beach at golden hour, palm shadows stretching across the sand, the air smelling like salt and ambition.
From rooftop lounges in West Hollywood to the glittering Pacific Coast sunsets of Santa Monica, L.A. is both playground and muse. It’s the perfect place to channel your inner Salty Mermaid—wild, confident, and glowing under the California sun.
“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.”