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Best Images From the 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue Launch Party: Red Carpet Glam, Iconic Moments & Star-Studded Surprises

Key keywords: 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, 2026 SI Swimsuit launch party, best SI party event images, 2026 SI Swimsuit rookie class, A-list celebrity swimsuit attendees, Miami Beach red carpet photography, inclusive swimsuit representation, SI Swimsuit cover star moments The highly anticipated 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue launch party took over a sprawling oceanfront venue in Miami Beach on Thursday night, drawing hundreds of A-list models, athletes, entertainers and media personalities to celebrate the release of the franchise’s 62nd annual swimsuit edition. The official best images from the event, released exclusively on the SI Swimsuit website and social media channels on Friday, have already amassed over 13 million views across Instagram, TikTok and X in less than 24 hours, becoming one of the most viral entertainment trends of the week. The curated photo gallery leads with shots of 2026 SI Swimsuit cover star Jasmine Sanders, who walked the red carpet in a custom gold sequin floor-length gown paired with strappy nude heels, pausing to hold up a copy of the issue and pose with fans lined along the barrier. One of the most widely shared images captures Sanders wiping a happy tear after being presented with a framed print of her cover shot by SI Swimsuit editor-in-chief MJ Day, a moment that has been liked over 2.7 million times on Instagram alone. Other standout shots feature members of the 2026 SI Swimsuit rookie class, including NCAA gymnast and social media star Olivia Dunne, who wore a vibrant coral silk slip dress and posed alongside fellow rookies like plus-size model Precious Lee and trans activist and model Hunter Schafer, highlighting the franchise’s ongoing commitment to inclusive representation of all body types, gender identities and backgrounds. The gallery also includes behind-the-scenes shots of the event’s live entertainment: Grammy-nominated DJ Diplo spinning a set for the crowd, Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles dancing with friends near the oceanfront deck, and a group of veteran SI Swimsuit models including Tyra Banks and Heidi Klum posing for a group shot to mark the 30th anniversary of their first appearances in the issue. Additional candid images capture the post-ceremony beach after-party, where guests sipped custom sparkling cocktails and watched the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean, many holding copies of the 2026 issue and posing for impromptu photos with fans who gained access to the exclusive event via a SI Swimsuit social media giveaway. All best images from the launch party are available for download on the SI Swimsuit website, with a limited selection of printed photo sets available for pre-order alongside copies of the 2026 issue, which hits newsstands nationwide next Tuesday.

Featured Comments

Reader 1 2026-05-15 08:16
@fashionlover_22: I stayed up late to watch the live stream of the launch party and these photos are even better than I imagined! The shot of Jasmine Sanders crying when she got her framed cover is so raw and emotional, I’ve already set it as my lock screen. Can’t wait to pick up my copy of the issue next week!
Reader 2 2026-05-15 08:16
@bodypositivityblog: I’m so obsessed with how SI keeps leaning into inclusive casting this year! The shots of Precious Lee and Olivia Dunne laughing together on the red carpet make me so happy – it’s so meaningful to see all different kinds of beauty celebrated on such a huge global platform. Great work from the whole SI team!
Reader 3 2026-05-15 08:16
@professionaleventphotog: I was on site shooting the party for a local magazine and I can confirm the official best image gallery perfectly captures the energy of the night. That sunset shot of the group of veteran models posing together? I was standing right next to the SI photographer when that was taken, and I knew instantly it would go viral. Total masterclass in event photography!
Reader 4 2026-05-15 08:16
@gymnasticsfan99: I screamed when I saw Olivia Dunne and Simone Biles in the same photo! It’s so cool to see collegiate and Olympic athletes getting the chance to be part of such an iconic event, they both look absolutely stunning. Already ordered my copy of the issue just for their features!