Sports Illustrated likes to keep the winner of the prestigious honor of gracing the cover of their Swimsuit Issue under wraps, but they can't keep us from predicting who it will be. 

The magazine typically has its pick of the hottest models on the planet to fill of the pages of its showcase issue. So identifying the potential cover girl is no easy task. 

I've narrowed it down to four front-runners, and through that process the eventual cover girl has become clear.

Let's take a look.  

 

Cintia Dicker

Cintia-dicker-flaunt-magazine-us-1_original_original Courtesy of Ben Watts/Flaunt Magazine

This relative newcomer hails from Brazil, but she is of German descent. This issue is sure to launch her into the realms of superstardom. 

She has a striking and unique look that leaves an instant impression. To date, she has appeared in ad campaigns for companies like Lands' End to Yves Saint Laurent.

 

Genevieve Morton

Geniv_original Courtesy of @genevievemorton on Twitter

Genevieve Morton is on the supermodel fast track. She already has an SI cover under her belt with Sports Illustrated South Africa in 2011.

That was a natural for her. She is from South Africa. 

She was also in the 2010 and 2011 SI Swimsuit Issue, as well as magazines like Esquire, FHM and GQ. She is a strong candidate to take this cover, but will come up just short. 

 

Hilary Rhoda

Hilary_original Courtesy @HilaryHRhoda on Twitter

Rhoda is well established in the modeling world. She is the face of Estee Lauder.  

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She also is a SI Swimsuit veteran as she has graced the pages of this prestigious issue the past three year.

She has paid her dues and is ready for the cover, but she is going to finish a close runner-up to the next model. 

Rhoda should also get serious bonus points for hailing from Chevy Chase, Md. 

 

Kate Upton

Upton_original Courtesy @KateUpton on Twitter

Kate Upton is on fire right now. She is taking over the modeling world, and she will soon be able to say she is an SI cover girl.  

The issue will go for her looks and ascending name power. She was in last year's edition and was named rookie of the year.

Along with her SI duties she has modeled for Beach Bunny swimwear, Dooney & Bourke, Victoria's Secret, and she was named the face of Guess in 2010-11.