The $20,000
Bikini Contest.
Tailgate Beach Club and Epic Models bring 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 is hosted by Epic Models and capped at 100 confirmed entrants. Sign up early — late entries go to a waitlist.
Confirmed contestants receive check-in and day-of details by email before the event. Waitlisted entrants may backfill no-show spots day-of.
Walk the pool deck stage on contest day in front of three judges and a packed Swim Week crowd.
Three judges plus crowd applause decide the winners. Cash and prize packages are awarded on-site from the $20,000 purse.
What winning looks like.
Cold, hard cash awarded across the contest's winners — 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 takes over the city in mid-August, and Tailgate Beach Club is where it hits the water — five pools, 22 cabanas, and a 145-foot LED wall 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. You bring the energy.
Claim one of 100 spots.
Registration is hosted on Epic Models' official site and capped at 100 confirmed contestants. Once the cap is hit, new sign-ups join the waitlist and may only be accepted day-of to backfill no-shows.
Register with Epic ModelsContestants must be 21+ with valid government-issued ID. Registration includes filming and publicity consent — a professional photo and video crew covers 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 Friday will sell out; lock yours in early.
Reserve a CabanaGeneral admission
Doors at 11 AM. Five pools, the 145-foot LED wall, DJs all day, and the $20,000 contest as the main event. Come early, stay for the crowning.
Get TicketsEverything you'd ask.
When is the bikini contest?
Friday, August 14, 2026 at Tailgate Beach Club, Mandalay Bay. Doors open at 11 AM and the party runs to 5 PM, with the contest as the day's main event.
How do I enter the contest?
Register online through Epic Models using the links on this page. Registration is capped at 100 confirmed contestants. After the cap fills, new registrations join a waitlist and may only be accepted day-of to backfill no-shows — a waitlist spot does not guarantee entry.
What are 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 are awarded across the contest's winners on-site.
How are winners decided?
A panel of three judges scores the contest, with crowd applause factored in. Bring your friends — a loud section helps.
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.
Will the event be filmed?
Yes. The contest is professionally photographed and filmed. Contestant registration includes filming and publicity consent, and attendance is 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 — 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 is operated by Epic Models & Talent; contest rules, eligibility, and prize disbursement terms are provided at registration and on-site. Management reserves all rights. Please enjoy responsibly.