MAXIM CONTRAST 2026

Where the Moment Is Yours to Capture

The Grand Prize

Freelance Contract

$20,000

Cash Prize

$20,000

The Derby is a content creator competition built around one of the most iconic sporting and social events of the year.

From the roar of the crowd to the thunder of the track, the style, the spectacle, and the stories happening everywhere in between, we're looking for creators who know how to capture a moment and turn it into something people want to watch. Whether you're filming the action, interviewing the people behind it, documenting the atmosphere, or finding the story no one else saw—this is your chance to create content that stands out.

The Derby is a content creator competition built around one of the most iconic sporting and social events of the year.

From the roar of the crowd to the thunder of the track, the style, the spectacle, and the stories happening everywhere in between, we're looking for creators who know how to capture a moment and turn it into something people want to watch. Whether you're filming the action, interviewing the people behind it, documenting the atmosphere, or finding the story no one else saw—this is your chance to create content that stands out.

The Winner Receives

The Winner Receives

$20,000 Freelance Contract
Access for Two to The Derby
Luxe Trip for Two to Louisville
1-on-1 Influencer Masterclass
Featured Across Maxim's Social & Digital Channels
Become a Maxim Content Creator
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.
Man saddling a brown horse inside a stable during warm sunlight.

Every moment has a story. Make yours worth watching.

“Don’t just capture the moment. Make us feel it.”

The Philosophy

More Than a Competition

The Derby is a celebration of sport, style, culture, and unforgettable moments. It's the energy of the crowd. The excitement around the track. The fashion, the personalities, the celebrations, and the stories happening behind the scenes. We're looking for creators who can bring it all to life.

Jockey in purple silks riding brown racehorse at a crowded racetrack during a race.
Woman in red outfit and black boots balancing on one leg while holding a small black handbag.

Who Should Participate

01

Content Creators

02

Videographers

03

Storytellers

04

Social Personalities

Capture the energy. Tell the story.
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 close-up of a woman with tousled hair wearing a partially open leather jacket on the cover of Maxim magazine.
Georgina Mazzeo
Professional Model and Content Creator

As a judge, I’m looking for authenticity, personality, and above all, self-confidence. What truly matters to me is how naturally and confidently you express yourself, along with humility and a positive attitude. My advice to participants is to treat this as a serious professional endeavor, because it truly is. If you take it with responsibility and seriousness, you can go very far. I’m here to celebrate the unique essence each of you brings.

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
Smiling woman with long dark hair in a ponytail, wearing a black zip-up top and gold necklaces, posing with arms crossed.
Paul O'Dea
Maxim Magazine Creative Director

Maxim Magazine values creative content. Whether it is a major sporting event surrounded by worldwide celebrities, models, and athletes or a relevant conference with influencers, enthusiasts, and experts, we are looking for unapologetic, high-octane, and creative content to showcase these events. Show me a mastery that creates a magnetic, 'expensive' atmosphere. I value creators who can capture that rare intersection of raw, edgy energy and sophisticated polish.

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
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
Smiling woman with long dark hair wearing a black blazer and a delicate necklace against a gray background.
Taylor Layne
Maxim Competition Host, Content Creator & Spokesmodel

I’m a spokesmodel and host for the Maxim Cover Girl platform, with a passion for storytelling, on-camera hosting, and digital media. My journey as a content creator began in 2009, when I launched my YouTube channel and started building an authentic connection with a global audience through lifestyle, entertainment, and personality-driven content.

Over the years, I’ve evolved alongside the digital landscape—growing from a self-taught creator into a confident on-camera presence, brand collaborator, and media professional. Whether hosting, modeling, or creating long-form video content, my focus has always been on authenticity, confidence, and engaging storytelling. My advice for you is to be disciplined, keep your commitments to yourself, and showcase your journey rather than feeling like your content needs to be perfect. The right audience will find you.

Instagram Profile
Man wearing suspenders taking photos with a telephoto camera lens at an outdoor horse event.

How it Works

1
profile

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

2
Competitions

Join the Derby Competition and then check your dashboard for more creator 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, digital features, and real career momentum.

Deep red velvet stage curtains slightly open against a dark background.
Close-up of woman with red hair gently touching a brown horse beside her face.

Your Camera. Your Perspective.

Anyone can capture what happens.
The best creators make people feel like they were there.
Whether your style is cinematic, spontaneous, editorial, funny, documentary, or completely your own, The Derby is your opportunity to showcase your perspective and prove you know how to turn real moments into compelling content.

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 The Derby Winner.

Crowd in hats and suits cheering at a horse race with jockeys riding on the track.
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.

“Your perspective can change the way the moment is remembered.”
Jockeys in colorful silks racing horses closely on a dirt track with a crowd in stadium seats.
Woman in cream suit and sunglasses holding a camera at a horse race event with blurred jockeys racing.

For Creators Who Know the Moment When They See It

The cameras are rolling. The energy is building, and the next story is waiting to be told. From the action on the track to the personalities in the crowd, the style, the celebrations, and the unexpected moments in between—there's always something worth capturing. Your perspective is what makes the difference.

Show us how you see it. Tell the story your way.