Maxim Elegance-Vienna 2026

Timeless Elegance, Grace, & Modern Royalty

$20,000
Grand Prize

Welcome to the 2026 Maxim Elegance competition — a celebration of sophistication, grace, and timeless beauty. Step into a world where poise meets high fashion. Whether it’s a grand ballroom, an opera evening, or a red carpet affair, this is your moment to embody elegance in its purest form.

From weddings to galas, from art galleries to candlelit banquets — bring your finest look, your quiet confidence, and your signature charm.

Where Elegance Is Rewarded
$20,000 cash prize
A luxury trip for two to Vienna
$5,000 to the charity of your choice
A professional Maxim photoshoot in New York City
A feature in Maxim Magazine
Woman in red skirt and jacket sitting in a chair inside a luxury suite overlooking a football stadium with a game in progress.
Woman in a sheer white top taking a photo with a camera near the Colosseum at sunset.

Elegance is not being noticed,
it’s being remembered.

Crafted for the Modern Muse

Elegance today is more than appearance — it’s presence.

This competition is designed for women who carry themselves with intention, who understand that style is subtle, and confidence doesn’t need to announce itself.

Woman in a flowing beige dress sitting on a beige sofa with a large woven circular wall art behind her.
Woman in a dark green, one-shoulder dress posing against a modern abstract background.

Is This Your Moment?

You belong here if you:

01

Carry confidence

02

Love timeless aesthetics

03

Express yourself through poise

04

Feel at home in sophistication

A quiet presence.
A lasting impression.
Register Now!
Woman in a flowing red gown standing in a dimly lit room with arched windows and a chandelier.

The Judges

*Judges subject to change
Maxim magazine cover with Jessica Carter topless wearing a black blazer and pants with tattoos on hands.
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.

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Smiling young woman with long red hair wearing a black top against a dark background.
Karin Agstam
Maxim Fashion Director, 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.

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Curly-haired woman sitting cross-legged on a bed wearing a sheer skirt and unbuttoned shirt in black and white.
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.

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Black and white portrait of a middle-aged man with curly hair looking straight at the camera.
Gilles Bensimon
World-Renowned Photographer

Modeling and photography strive to highlight individuality and versatility, working together to convey emotions through imagery. I’m particularly interested in how competitors adapt to diverse fashion styles and express character through their poses. Alongside Maxim, I value authenticity—true beauty is rooted in self-confidence and the unique energy each model brings to the camera.

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Black and white portrait of a woman with flowing hair wearing a leather jacket on Maxim magazine cover.
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.

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Elizabeth Nguyen in a sheer grey dress holding flowers on Maxim magazine cover, Jan-Feb 2020 issue.
Elizabeth Nguyen
2019 Maxim Cover Girl Competition Winner, 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.

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Woman with long brown hair in ponytail, smiling and crossing arms wearing a black zip jacket.
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!

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How it Works

1
Profile

Create your profile. Upload your strongest images and introduce yourself.

2
Competitions

Choose the competition that fits your style and energy. Submit your entry before the deadline.

3
Share your profile

Share your profile. Public votes decide who advances, with finalists reviewed by Maxim judges.

4
Elevate

Winners gain exposure, cash prizes, Maxim features, and real career momentum.

Make a Difference

Maxim will donate $5,000 on behalf of the winner to one of these amazing charities.
Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer logo with blue text and a lemon graphic on a yellow background.
Alex’s Lemonade Stand
Devoted to funding impactful research and providing support to children with cancer and their families, with a mission to find a cure for childhood cancer.
Logo of Breast Cancer Research Foundation with a pink breast cancer awareness ribbon.
Breast Cancer Research Foundation
Dedicated to advancing the world's most promising research, BCRF is the largest private funder of breast cancer research – and metastatic breast cancer research – worldwide.
Operation Homefront
Operation Homefront offers valuable and life-changing programs to support military families. Its relief and recurring support programs address specific financial needs, making veteran and military families more strong, stable, and secure.
Black silhouette of a city skyline above the words RESCUE CITY in bold, uppercase letters.
Rescue City
New York City foster-based rescue dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating at-risk dogs, providing them with loving homes and a second chance at life.

Vienna, Defined by Elegance

At the heart of this competition lies the spirit of Vienna — a city where elegance isn’t styled for the moment, it’s part of everyday life.

“Elegance is when simplicity meets intention.

Group of women dancing and celebrating indoors with confetti and party poppers, one holding a sign that reads 'XOXO RANDA ROSE'.
Woman in a green strapless dress sitting on rocks by the ocean at sunset.

How Supporters Help

Share your personal voting link with friends, followers, and supporters.

Daily votes build momentum and push you closer to becoming the Maxim Elegance - Vienna Winner.

Three people sitting at a round table outside a café reviewing printed photos while a fourth person with a camera stands nearby.

Guidance from Maxim Insiders

Throughout the search, you’ll receive insights from the Maxim team on presentation, positioning, and how to stand out in a competitive modeling space.

This is more than a title — it’s a launchpad.

Step forward. Own the moment. Become unforgettable.

This isn’t just a competition — it’s a moment in your story.

A chance to be seen, to be remembered, and to step into a world where elegance defines everything.

Group of women dancing and celebrating indoors with confetti and party poppers, one holding a sign that reads 'XOXO RANDA ROSE'.