Alix Earle, the influential TikTok star and reality television personality, has made waves in the fashion realm with her debut on the cover of the 2026 issue of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. The 25-year-old unveiled this significant accomplishment during an appearance on Nylon’s series, “Pre-Game with Alix Earle,” where she shared behind-the-scenes insights from her experience in Botswana.
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Earle’s journey to this milestone was not without its challenges. She explained how actor Glen Powell, known for his role in *Top Gun: Maverick*, played a vital role in getting her to the shoot location. Their adventure began in January during a glamorous getaway with friends in St. Barts, where they were joined by well-known faces such as Nina Dobrev and Miles Teller, alongside his wife Keleigh.
The trip took an unexpected turn when their flight from St. Barts to Miami faced extensive delays. Earle recounted how their situation transformed into a spontaneous journey: “We ended up hopping on a plane to Atlanta. I did research on what other flights could take me to Botswana, but there was nothing available for days. I started to panic when Glen suggested we travel together with his dog.”
This impromptu detour through Atlanta ultimately led to Earle’s much-anticipated photoshoot in Botswana. Powell not only assisted with travel arrangements but also provided emotional support during the flight. Earle candidly shared, “Our flight encountered significant turbulence, and I was quite frightened. Glen comforted me, assuring me that he knew how to handle planes from his filming experience.”
Earle’s captivating photos from Botswana reflect a distinctive safari-inspired aesthetic, featuring playful crochet bikinis against the backdrop of the stunning Okavango Delta, which lies at the centre of the Kalahari Desert. The issue, which was released on May 12, includes other notable cover stars such as Hilary Duff and Tiffany Haddish, showcasing a diverse range of talent within the edition.
Speaking about her achievement, Earle expressed her disbelief. “It’s a huge pinch-me moment. It hasn’t settled in yet. I feel like I can’t quite grasp that I’m holding this magazine with my image on the cover — it’s utterly surreal,” she remarked during her segment on *Today*.
The festivities surrounding the launch of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue continued beyond the magazine’s release. Earle celebrated with peers by attending an extravagant launch party in Times Square on May 14. She then connected with fans and fellow models at the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Social Club on May 15, marking her entry into the elite world of modelling with enthusiasm.
Earle has swiftly gained prominence on various social media platforms, particularly TikTok, where she is celebrated for her charisma and ability to engage with younger audiences. Her presence at significant events and features in popular media indicate a promising trajectory within the fashion industry.
As Earle manoeuvres through this high-profile chapter, her friendship with Powell and the experiences they shared highlight the often unpredictable and serendipitous nature of the entertainment business. The support system they cultivated during their travels seems to reflect the essence of camaraderie found in Hollywood, further emphasizing the importance of these personal connections in navigating professional opportunities.
With a burgeoning modelling career and an expanding fanbase, Alix Earle exemplifies the evolving landscape of modern influencers, particularly as she establishes herself within traditional platforms such as Sports Illustrated. Her journey thus far serves as an inspiration for aspiring models in today’s digital age, showcasing that with the right support and determination, dreams can indeed become a captivating reality.