Kate Upton has officially joined a long and legendary list of Sports Illustrated cover models.

Only 19 years old, Upton is the second-youngest in the magazine's storied history and many fans couldn't be happier with the choice.

While she'll be at the forefront of the media exposure for some time, she'll soon be compared with the other gorgeous models who've graced the cover before her.

The past five years alone they've been some of the hottest women to walk this planet. The question is where does Kate rank among them?

1. Brooklyn Decker (2010)

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It simply doesn't get hotter than Brooklyn Decker. The 24-year-old is married to tennis star Andy Roddick and has even started venturing into Hollywood productions. She'll star in the upcoming Peter Berg movie Battleship with Taylor Kitsch, Liam Neeson and Alexander Skarsgård.

Her cover is without question the best in the last five years. The combination of background colors, her yellow bikini (or lack thereof) and smile compliment each other perfectly.

Sometimes the sexiest pictures don't make the best covers, but in this case they are one in the same.

2. Marisa Miller (2008)

The big-time sports fan is not only a former cover girl, but a Victoria's Secret angel as well.

Miller's been voted at the top of "Hot 100" and "Sexiest Women of the World" lists for some time now. She's a bit older than the rest of the girls on this list (she's only 33 years old), but that doesn't make her any less gorgeous.

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Her cover, like Decker's two years later, does a phenomenal job of combining background colors with the bikini being worn. Miller's top consisted of only baby blue jeweled necklaces. 

It runs a ridiculously close second to Decker's.

3. Kate Upton (2012)

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This year's cover girl absolutely dominates the cover of the magazine with her 5'10" frame. Upton's smile and ridiculous body are emphasized with a small red bikini that barely covers anything.

The gorgeous blonde has quickly become a sensation and has ties to Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez, although the rumors have never been confirmed.

This is just the beginning for Kate Upton.

4. Irina Shayk (2011)

Last year's cover girl, 5'10" Russian bombshell Irina Shayk comes in at a close No. 4. The 26-year-old's yellow and pink bikini look absolutely sensational on her tanned skin.

Much like Upton, Shayk's phenomenal body dominates most of the cover shot and blends perfectly with the blue sky background and white sand.

The only reason she falls to No. 4 on this list is because how unbelievable the top three are.

5. Bar Refaeli (2009)

There are no losers on this list at all, but Leonardo DiCaprio's former flame comes in at No. 5.

The 26-year-old Israeli model is always gorgeous, but of the five covers, her bikini and background pop the least.

That said, these five covers are five of the most impressive we've ever seen.