Strip Teases

Las Vegas Gay Athletes Bare (Almost) All For Our Swimsuit Shoot

Dallas. Phoenix. Seattle. They’ve all hosted Compete’s annual photo shoot for our special Swimsuit Issue. But for something completely different this year, we went to Sin City to meet up with some members of its gay sports community. (We also brought a couple of folks with us from Phoenix, for good measure.) The result: we’ve got the most original photos yet, with some truly unique backdrops.

From the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign to the Strip to a kitschy wedding chapel, we managed to get our models to a variety of locales, and they were extremely agreeable! Every year it seems we end up with “real people” models that are as nice as we could imagine … and this year was certainly no exception. Our subjects were outfitted in true style, as they slipped into suits provided by Andrew Christian, Tulio, Kiki Doll and N2N. Maybe most things that happen in Vegas are supposed to stay in Vegas … but we couldn’t hold back on sharing the pictures from our wild weekend!

Let the Weekend Begin
Jay A. drove up from Phoenix for the weekend to play with our Sin City models. He immediately got into the spirit of things by stripping down to his bikini and giving the other tourists at the "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign a show.

Jay A.
Age: 29
Sport: Rodeo
Favorite athlete: Mark McGwire
Trivia: Is sponsored by Gun Oil lubricants
Suit: Andrew Christian Bikini




Party Animals
We had a lively group on our hands; that was obvious. On our first night in town we gathered all our models for a cocktail reception and mixer in our suite. Although most had never met, they became very friendly very quickly.

 

Heather Age: 23 Sport: Swimming Favorite athlete: David Beckham Trivia: Lives by the motto “Knowledge is power” Suit: Kiki Doll Lava Leaf		Sascha Age: 24 Sport: Volleyball Favorite team: San Francisco 49ers Trivia: Is a shopaholic Suit: Kiki Doll Aqua Shell
		Agustin (Auggie) Age: 30 Sport: Rugby Favorite team: Phoenix Suns Trivia: Is an exercise physiologist Suit: Andrew Christian Brief

Early Risers
Our photo shoot, like Vegas itself, doesn’t pay attention to the clock. We met up with Marty and Jay P. bright and early Saturday morning at the all-male Blue Moon Resort. The volleyball and basketball players provided enough steam during their session to heat the otherwise chilly waters on the Blue Moon pool.

Marty
Age: 29
Sports: Volleyball, basketball
Favorite athlete: Phil Dalhauser
Trivia: Enjoys cooking, working out and hiking
Suit: Andrew Christian Square Cut

Jay P.
Age: 22
Sports: Volleyball, basketball, soccer
Favorite team: Indianapolis Colts
Trivia: Is 6’3 and wears a size 16 shoe, but is the smallest guy in his family
Suit: Andrew Christian Square Cut

Sun Down, Lights Up
Despite occasional drizzles Kevin and Juan braved the elements for our session overlooking the Las Vegas Strip. Being a Saturday night, there was lots of foot traffic and plenty of curious onlookers. They were pure pros, however, letting nothing faze them. After the commotion, it was time for some rest and relaxation in the hotel suite.

Kevin
Age: 31
Sport: Volleyball
Favorite athlete: Michael Phelps
Trivia: Was Mr. Las Vegas Gay Pride 2005
Suit: Tulio Square Cut

Juan
Age: 30
Sport: Volleyball
Favorite team: New Orleans Saints
Trivia: Is a veterinarian
Suit: Andrew Christian Swim Shorts



Photos by Don Thompson/Thompson Image Photography