Move over, supermodels—there's a new star in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit universe, and she's bringing a massive TikTok following with her. Gabi Moura, who boasts 11.6 million followers on the platform, has officially been unveiled as a rookie for the 2026 edition of the iconic magazine. And if her latest swimsuit photo is any indication, she's already winning over fans.
Moura, who also turned heads at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show last October, shared a behind-the-scenes vlog from her shoot in Fort Myers, Florida, earlier this week. The video and accompanying photos have racked up thousands of likes and comments, with fans and celebrities alike losing it over her stunning look.
“Picks jaw up from the floor,” commented Victoria’s Secret PINK, while one fan wrote, “Hey so this is insane. You are unreal.” Another added simply, “So stunning,” and one user predicted, “Covergirl loading.”
Moura herself was clearly emotional about the milestone. “I’m a SI Swimsuit rookie like whaaaaa,” she posted on Instagram. “I cannot believe this is my life right nowww!!! a dream come trueee.” Her three million Instagram followers have been showering her with love ever since.
But Moura isn't the only rookie making waves this year. The 2026 class also includes Hilary Duff, who appears as one of four cover models, as well as “Real Housewives of New York City” star Bethany Frankel and “Summer House” star Hannah Berner. It's a diverse group that's already generating plenty of buzz.
SI Swimsuit editor in chief MJ Day praised Duff's career arc as “its own form of quiet rebellion, in which she continues to reinvent herself, leaning into each season with confidence, humor and grace.” That same spirit seems to apply to the entire rookie class, which is redefining what it means to be a swimsuit model in 2026.
For Moura, the journey from TikTok fame to SI Swimsuit has been swift. She first caught the magazine's attention with her viral videos and runway appearance, and now she's part of a legacy that has launched countless careers. The question on everyone's mind: Could she be the next big thing in modeling? If the reaction to her swimsuit photo is any measure, the answer is a resounding yes.
As the sports world continues to intersect with pop culture, Moura's rise is a reminder that social media stars are increasingly crossing over into traditional media. Whether she'll follow in the footsteps of other SI Swimsuit icons remains to be seen, but for now, fans can't get enough of her.
Stay tuned for more updates on Gabi Moura and the rest of the 2026 SI Swimsuit rookie class—because if this debut is any sign, it's going to be a spectacular year.
