Dallas Hooters Girl Cassidy Welch was named Miss Hooters International 2024 at the 27 the Annual Miss Hooters International Pageant hosted at Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth. Selected from over 18,000 Hooters Girls worldwide, Welch will keep the title, crown and $30,000 grand prize right here in Texas. In true Texas fashion, where everything is bigger, Welch’s journey to the crown culminates in this high-stakes competition, proving that the biggest wins happen in the Lone Star State.
Welch, a four-time Hooters Calendar Girl who has graced the pages as Miss September 2023 and Miss July 2024, also finished as first runner-up at last year’s pageant. Known for her dedication both on and off the stage, Welch’s charisma and charm have shone brightly in Hooters commercials and billboards, making her a recognizable face. When she’s not sporting the orange shorts, Welch is passionately pursuing a career in cosmetology, with ambitious plans to open her own salon.
“I never imagined this would happen and I am filled with such indescribable joy right now,” said Welch. “I feel truly humbled to be selected from such a remarkable group of women. To represent such an iconic brand and over half a million past and present Hooters Girls is an honor I don’t take lightly, and I hope to continue to empower others as much as the women on this stage have empowered me.”
As the 2024 titleholder, Welch will be a central figure in a variety of marketing campaigns and high-profile events throughout the year. Her duties will include traveling around the world to attend new restaurant openings both in the U.S. and internationally, as well as participating in the Hooters Calendar Tour and various philanthropic events.
This year’s pageant, which welcomed the public for the first time since 2021, captivated fans who were eager to experience the crowning of the next Hooters icon live and in person.
"We are absolutely thrilled for Welch," said Pageant Director and Senior Director of Marketing for Hooters of America, Melissa Fry. "She truly embodies the spirit of Hooters, and we can’t wait to see her shine in her new role. I’m also incredibly proud of all the contestants—they poured their hearts into a busy week of rehearsals, photoshoots, and preparation. Their dedication and passion were evident in every moment of the competition."
With the judging panel comprised of Lynne Austin, the Original Hooters Girl; Marissa Raisor, Miss Hooters International 2013, former Hooters Calendar Cover Girl, and actress; Bonnie Jill, author and sportscaster; Derek Holland, former professional baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers; and Pooh, radio host on Dallas’ 102.9 FM BillyTheKidd Show, Welch and her fellow contestants were evaluated on responses to interview questions, uniform and swimsuit rounds, personality, and overall contribution to the Hooters brand.
Additional pageant finalists include Sophia Zullo (Mason, Ohio) (first runner-up), Jah'Zahria Iverson (Douglasville, Ga.) (second runner-up), Sarah Magda (Sarasota, Fla.) (third runner-up) and Enayyah Musa (Daytona, Fla.) (fourth runner-up).
Also finishing in the top 10 were Averey Tressler (Anderson, S.C.), Ashleigh Meade (Chantilly, Va.), Sara Vratanina (Daytona Beach, Fla.), Sabriya Underwood (King of Prussia, Pa.) and Savannah Wicks (St. Peters, Mo.).
Two of the top five contestants won additional awards: Sophia Zullo as Miss Photogenic and Sarah Magda as Fan Favorite. Eliana Valdez (San Marcos, Calif.) won Miss Congeniality.
To learn more about the Miss Hooters International Pageant, visit hooters.com/hooters-girls/pageant/. Follow us at x.com/hooters, facebook.com/hooters and instagram.com/hooters.