100 Hooters girls compete for crown

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100 Hooters girls compete for crown

Beautiful girls from around the world face off in an effort to win $30,000 and the title Miss Hooters International

One hundred beautiful women from around the world will compete in Las Vegas this week for the title of Miss Hooters International.

The pageant contestants were selected from more than 18,000 Hooters girls who currently work in one of the more than 400 restaurants worldwide.

The winner will be announced Wednesday night and will receive a $30,000 cash prize and the chance to serve as the face of the Hooters brand with opportunities to appear in advertisements and assist in international openings.

According to Hooters, contestants are evaluated based on responses to interview questions, personality and overall contribution to the Hooters brand, as well as swimsuit attire.

Fox News caught up with the current Miss Hooters crown holder, Janet Layug, from Lakeland, Florida.

“The past year has been absolutely amazing, I have traveled a lot, around the world, so many places I never thought I would even go to,” Layug said. “I’m so thankful for Hooters and the opportunities that come about from it.”

The women began the contest by taking the stage Tuesday evening at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino for the opening night of 19th annual swimsuit pageant. Each contestant wore a “hometown” costume that represented the culture of her state or country.

A five-person panel of celebrity judges includes former NFL running back Clinton Portis, retired American Light Heavyweight UFC fighter Forrest Griffin, Miss Florida USA 2014 Brittany Oldehoff, 2010 Winter Olympic bronze medalist Scotty Lago and the “Original Hooters Girl” Lynne Austin.

Layug said the pageant is about more than just beauty.

“It’s like a foundation for your career, you can do anything in life and this really helps you build your self confidence and you can take that anywhere—anything that you want to do,” Layug said.