Akiya Baskin won Cycle 23 of America’s Next Top Model
Akiya Baskin was the winner of America’s Next Top Model Cycle 23 in 2017, beating fellow finalist India Gants in the finale. Her victory marked the first all‑black final two in the show’s history at the time. Since her win, Baskin has pursued modeling, acting, and digital content creation. This evergreen profile explains who won, what changed after the season, and how her trajectory compared with other recent winners.
Quick verified facts about Cycle 23
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Winner | Akiya Baskin | Official CW announcement and news archives |
| Runner-up | India Gants | Official show recap and news coverage |
| Cycle year | 2017 (premiered August 2017) | Broadcast schedule and network press releases |
| Age at casting | 19 | Casting profiles and pre‑season interviews |
| Prize package (core) | $100,000 Camry, modeling contract with NEXT Model Management, editorial in Vogue Italia | CW prize summary and industry reporting |
The season and the finale
Cycle 23 was the show’s 24th installment and featured 14 contestants. The season emphasized diversity, with a notably black-heavy cast that produced the first ever black final two. Challenges included high‑fashion photo shoots, runway work, and brand partnerships for a Vitamin Water campaign. In the finale, Akiya Baskin’s versatility and composure on set and on runway impressed judges enough to award her the crown over India Gants, sealing her status as the Cycle 23 winner.
How the finale played out
The finale paired Baskin and Gants for a series of runway looks and a Vogue Italia editorial test. Judges highlighted Baskin’s professionalism, marketability, and improvement throughout the cycle. While the competition was close, the combination of strong portfolio results and consistent performance over the season led to her victory.
Immediate outcomes after winning
As the winner, Baskin received the standard prize package: a modeling contract, a feature in Vogue Italia, and a cash prize. She appeared in campaigns and walked in fashion shows, leveraging her visibility across social platforms. Industry observers noted her potential to become a long‑term working model, although career momentum can vary widely after reality competition wins.
- Secured placements in fashion and editorials shortly after the cycle
- Participated in post‑season brand collaborations tied to the show
- Built a personal brand through social media and content creation
Long‑term career trajectory
In the years following her win, Akiya Baskin maintained a presence in modeling and expanded into acting and digital media. She has appeared in television and online content, and she has spoken about navigating the industry as a woman of color. While not always in the spotlight, she has continued to book jobs and build a sustainable career beyond the initial Cycle 23 hype, which is a common benchmark for long‑term success among past winners.
How Cycle 23 compared to other recent cycles
Every season of America’s Next Top Model produces different winners and career outcomes. Cycle 23 is frequently referenced for its historic final two and for showcasing how contestants from varied backgrounds can compete at the highest level. Compared with earlier cycles, it emphasized diversity more explicitly and generated conversations about representation in fashion reality television.
- First black final two in the show’s history at the time
- Featured a cast with multiple influential social media personalities
- Set the stage for future seasons to prioritize broader representation
Common questions about the Cycle 23 winner
- Did the winner sign a major modeling contract? Yes, Baskin signed with NEXT Model Management as part of the prize package.
- Was there any controversy around the season? As with many cycles, there were discussions about editing and contestant dynamics, but the outcome and career moves remained the central topics post‑airing.
- How does this season’s winner compare in earnings to others? Exact earnings are rarely disclosed, but modeling incomes vary based on bookings, location, and agency support; Baskin’s long‑term presence suggests steady, if not headline‑making, income.