MAXIM CONTRAST 2026

Your Moment. Your Walk. Your Runway.

Cash Prize

$50,000

Maxim Runway is a competition created to discover the next generation of runway stars. Step into the spotlight, showcase your walk, win over the crowd with your personality, and prove you have what it takes to own the runway. This is your chance to take center stage, model Maxim's upcoming fashion capsule collection, and turn your potential into a career-defining moment.

Maxim Runway is a competition created to discover the next generation of runway stars. Step into the spotlight, showcase your walk, win over the crowd with your personality, and prove you have what it takes to own the runway. This is your chance to take center stage, model Maxim's upcoming fashion capsule collection, and turn your potential into a career-defining moment.

Cash Prize

$50,000

Top 5 Models will

Top 5 Models Will

Walk the Maxim Runway
Win $5,000 Cash
Be Featured in a YouTube Mini-Series
Enjoy a Luxe Trip to Miami
Receive an Exclusive Runway Gift Bag
Woman in a black dress reclining on a red velvet sofa against a dark red background.Woman in a black dress reclining on a red velvet sofa against a dark red background.

The Grand Prize

The Grand Prize Awaits the Maxim Runway Champion:

01
An additional $50,000 cash
02
Be Crowned The Maxim Runway Champion
03
Exclusive Maxim.com Feature
Female model walking on runway wearing a layered, voluminous red dress and high-heeled shoes, with braided hair and confident pose while audience watches.

Every step is a statement.

"The Runway Doesn't Wait For You. You Have To Own It."

Female model wearing a sleeveless white dress with large black buttons and a deep V neckline, paired with a yellow patterned bucket hat, walking on a runway with blurred audience.

The Philosophy

Your Moment To Be Seen

Every model has a moment when everything changes.

This could be yours. Show us your walk. Show us your personality. Show us the confidence, energy, and presence that make you impossible to overlook.

“Don’t wait for your moment. Walk into it.”
Female model wearing a light green off-shoulder dress and white scarf around her neck walking on a runway with a dark background and audience in shadows.

Who Should Participate

01

Runway
Models

02

Rising
Stars

03

Natural
Performers

04

Bold
Personalities

Confidence walks before you do.
Register Now
Woman in red outfit and black boots balancing on one leg while holding a small black handbag.

The Judges

*Judges subject to change
Black and white portrait of a woman with long blonde hair wearing an open blazer on Maxim magazine cover.
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.

Instagram Profile
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.

Instagram Profile
Black-and-white cover image of a woman with curly hair sitting on a bed wearing an open shirt and tulle skirt.
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.

Instagram Profile
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.

Instagram Profile
Black-and-white close-up of a woman with voluminous hair in 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.

Instagram Profile
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.

Instagram Profile
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!

Instagram Profile
Woman in red outfit and black boots balancing on one leg while holding a small black handbag.

How it Works

1
profile

Create your model profile. Upload your strongest images, connect your socials, and introduce yourself.

2
Competitions

Join the Maxim Runway Competition and then check your dashboard for more model opportunities.

3
Share your profile

Public votes will decide the opening rounds. Maxim judges will interview finalists and select our winner.

4
Elevate

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

Deep red velvet stage curtains slightly open against a dark background.
Model in a long, sleeveless, dark brown dress standing on the runway at a fashion event with a crowd of seated and standing spectators blurred in the background.

More Than A Competition

Maxim Runway is your opportunity to take the next step.

Build your confidence. Grow your audience. Showcase your personality. Gain exposure. And prove that you belong in the spotlight. Your modeling career can change with one opportunity. This could be yours.

Deep red velvet stage curtains slightly open against a dark background.

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 Runway Winner.

Model with curly hair walking on runway wearing a sleeveless, flowing dress with bright watercolor floral prints, holding a woven bag with wooden handles, and brown sandals, with seated audience and photographers in the background.
Deep red velvet stage curtains slightly open against a dark background.

Guidance From Maxim Insiders

Our team will share tips, inspiration, and insider advice to help you show up with confidence and make your presence unforgettable.

“The runway is yours. Own every step.”
A young woman with straight dark hair sits in a chair wearing a black outfit, while three people around her apply makeup and adjust her appearance.
Female model walking on runway wearing a white long-sleeve shirt dress with large black and white floral embellishments and a black sleeveless vest, carrying a white handbag and a small black crossbody bag, with long dark hair and a serious expression.

For Those Who Wear Confidence

Your next big moment could be the one that changes everything.

Step forward, showcase your walk, bring your personality to the stage, and prove you have what it takes to own the room. This is your opportunity to be seen, take your modeling career to the next level, and compete for the chance to become the next Maxim Runway star.

Take the leap. Take your place. Take over the runway.