The famous Hooters swimsuit contest is on again. Contestants from all over the world will come to Las Vegas on July 18th, to compete for the Hooters crown. More than $155,000 has been allocated as prize money, to be divided between the lucky winners. Not surprisingly, The Hooters swimsuit contest has outgrown its humble beginnings of a little-town competition.

There are always some Americans who dislike this kind of events. Yet The Hooters swimsuit contest is so popular, thousands visitors come from China, Australia, the UK, Italy, Japan and many more countries, to get some real excitement, and lots of fun. And their numbers are growing each year

In case you didn't know, the Hooters swimsuit contest is an extension of the Hooters food chain, selling chicken and seafood. The idea started in Florida, in 1983, where attractive girls, wearing skimpy swimming costumes, served the customers. The ambience was set to a sort of nostalgic, with the golden hits being played in the background

There are always questions about the moral issue with the Hooters swimsuit contest. At least as far as some more conservative Americans see it. As for the competing girls; they treat it as a way having some fun, and perhaps a stepping stone to a new and exciting career. Overseas competitors coming to Las Vegas each year, from over 20 countries seem to agree, and the contest attracts more attention than ever.

There is a 15,000 strong workforce of beautiful Hooters girls who presently work in one of the 430 restaurants which are located right throughout the world. The 120 finalists competing for the Hooters crown this year will be coming from such faraway places as Australia and Taiwan as well as the other 18 foreign countries to compete in the Hooters International Swimsuit Pageant.

You may like or hate the Hooters swimsuit contest, and be one of those who condemn it as a pure exploitation. However, for those girls it's perhaps one if a life chance to feel adored and admired. And securing the spot in the annual Hooter Calendar is the pinnacle of their dreams.

No matter what the audience thinks, the Hooters swimsuit contestants see it as an opportunity to be noticed. Some think about entering the entertainment industry. Others, dream about the starring in movies. Well, for those who presents themselves very well in bikinis, everything is possible

Miss Hooters International receives a well earned $50,000 cash prize, appearances in national TV commercials, and of course will feature predominantly in the Hooters advertising campaigns and magazines for the coming year. There is also the title of Miss Hooters Congeniality, a reader's choice and a Miss Photogenic award that are presented on the night.

And while the US public is deeply divided over the Hooters swimsuit contest, the glamorous girls keep parading and having a good fun. When the night of July 25th arrives, all will be decided. For another whole year, a new beautiful Hooters queen will reign.