The $20,000
Bikini Contest Is a Wrap.
Tailgate Beach Club and Epic Models brought Vegas Swim Week's biggest stage to the pool deck. One hundred contestants, three judges, a roaring crowd, and $20,000 in cash and prizes on the line.
From sign-up to the spotlight.
Contestant registration was hosted by Epic Models and capped at 100 confirmed entrants. Late entries went to a waitlist.
Confirmed contestants received check-in and day-of details by email before the event. Waitlisted entrants backfilled no-show spots day-of.
Contestants walked the pool deck stage in front of three judges and a packed Swim Week crowd.
Three judges plus crowd applause decided the winners. Cash and prize packages were awarded on-site from the $20,000 purse.
What winning looks like.
Cold, hard cash awarded across the contest's winners. It is the largest bikini-contest cash purse on the Strip this Swim Week.
Premium Tailgate cabana packages, each with a $1,250 food-and-beverage credit, plus more, pushing the total purse past $20,000 in cash and prizes.
The Strip's biggest pool deck, on its biggest weekend.
Vegas Swim Week took over the city in mid-August, and Tailgate Beach Club was where it hit the water: five pools, 22 cabanas, and wall-to-wall LED screens at the south end of the Strip at Mandalay Bay. One hundred contestants, $20,000 on the line, and a pool party all around it. The crowd brought the energy.
One hundred spots were claimed.
Registration was hosted on Epic Models' official site and capped at 100 confirmed contestants, with a waitlist backfilling day-of no-shows.
See What Is NextContestants were 21+ with valid government-issued ID. Registration included filming and publicity consent; a professional photo and video crew covered the event.
Get the best seat in the house.
Cabanas & daybeds
Twenty-two cabanas ring the pool deck: front-row shade, dedicated service, and a straight line of sight to the contest stage. Swim Week Saturday, August 15, 2026 is a wrap.
Reserve a CabanaGeneral admission
Doors were at 11 AM. Five pools, wall-to-wall LED screens, DJs all day, and the $20,000 contest as the main event. General admission runs on football-season hours: Sunday 9 AM to 9 PM, Monday and Thursday 11 AM to 9 PM, Friday 11 AM to 6 PM, Saturday 8:30 AM to 8 PM. Management reserves all rights.
See What Is NextEverything you'd ask.
When was the bikini contest?
Saturday, August 15, 2026 at Tailgate Beach Club, Mandalay Bay. Doors opened at 11 AM and the party ran to 5 PM, with the contest as the day's main event.
How did contestants enter?
Registration was hosted online by Epic Models and capped at 100 confirmed contestants. Once the cap filled, later sign-ups joined a waitlist that backfilled day-of no-shows.
What were the prizes?
Over $20,000 in cash and prizes: $17,500 in confirmed cash plus premium Tailgate cabana packages, each with a $1,250 food-and-beverage credit. Prizes were awarded across the contest's winners on-site.
How were winners decided?
A panel of three judges scored the contest, with crowd applause factored in.
Do I need a ticket to watch?
General admission to Tailgate Beach Club gets you the whole day, contest included. Cabanas and daybeds are the best view on the deck and can be reserved through our booking page.
Was the event filmed?
Yes. The contest was professionally photographed and filmed. Contestant registration included filming and publicity consent, and attendance was subject to the venue's standard filming notice.
Is the event 21+?
Yes. Tailgate Beach Club is a 21+ venue; contestants and spectators alike need valid government-issued ID.
Where is Tailgate Beach Club?
Mandalay Bay, 3950 S Las Vegas Blvd, at the south end of the Strip. Self-parking and rideshare drop-off on-site.
21+ only. Valid government-issued ID required for entry. Contestant registration was operated by Epic Models & Talent; contest rules, eligibility, and prize disbursement terms were provided at registration and on-site. Management reserves all rights. Please enjoy responsibly.