Following the spectacular success of last year’s inaugural Elegance competition, Maxim Cover Girl is bringing it back for 2026. Designed to celebrate class, sophistication, and timeless style, this year’s contest promises to be even more thrilling, offering aspiring models and trendsetters the ultimate platform to showcase their grace on a global stage.
Last year’s debut competition set the bar incredibly high. After an intense nationwide search, the radiant AuJené Butler claimed the crown. As champion, Butler was flown to the UK during the peak of London Fashion Week for a whirlwind, royal-inspired experience. There, she had her ultimate shining moment, collaborating with iconic fashion photographer Gilles Bensimon to create a series of breathtaking, high-fashion images. Fans won’t have to wait long to see the results of that magical shoot, as Butler will soon be featured in an upcoming print edition of Maxim magazine—enjoy a preview right here.
Now, the search begins for her successor—and the stakes for 2026 are grander than ever.
The Ultimate Prize Package
The grand prize winner of this year’s Elegance competition will walk away with an unforgettable package blending luxury travel, cash, and philanthropy:
- $20,000 cash: Enjoy a life-changing grand prize to jumpstart your career or fund your dreams.
- Luxurious getaway for two to Vienna: Experience the old-world romance, stunning architecture, and royal heritage of Austria’s historic capital with a companion of your choice.
- Exclusive NYC photoshoot: It’s your turn to shine in front of the lens during an elite, professional photoshoot in the heart of New York City.
- Feature in Maxim: Just like Butler, the winner will be immortalized with a dedicated feature in the glossy pages of Maxim magazine.
- $5,000 charity donation: In the spirit of elegance and grace, Maxim will donate $5,000 to a charitable cause chosen by the winner.
How It Works
The structure of the competition remains the same: a trusted, multi-tiered process that ensures the most deserving contestant rises to the top:
- Public voting: Audiences and Maxim VIP members will have the opportunity to cast votes online, building a passionate base of support for their favorite contestants.
- Professional interviews: Standing out requires more than just a camera-ready look—contestants will participate in professional interview rounds to showcase their personality, drive, and vision.
- The panel of judges: A select panel of industry experts and insiders will review the top contenders, ultimately deciding who possesses the blend of sophistication and charm worthy of the Elegance crown.
Registration for the competition is entirely free. If you have the poise, the style, and the ambition to follow in Butler’s footsteps and travel from the streets of Manhattan to the palaces of Vienna, your moment is now.
Head over to the Elegance Competition page to submit your entry and begin your journey toward becoming Maxim’s next icon of elegance.