The Swimsuit Issue of SI is definitely the hottest issue of every single magazine on the planet right now and, in just one day, we’re all going to gawk like fools at the brand spanking new 2011 Issue. We still don’t know who’s going to be featured on the cover (my guess is that Irina Shayk will take it) but we’re pretty sure it’s going to be just as amazing as the previous issues.

The first issue was published in 1964 and it started because winter months were typically a slow point in the sporting calendar but… it took the world by storm and since then it’s probably the most awaited issue of a magazine. During time, the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue has had some of the world’s hottest women gracing on its cover and the 2011 issue is going to be the 38th.

But until we get to drool over the new issue, it’s time to look back at the 20 Hottest Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue covers in our opinion.

20.Yamila Diaz-Rahi – 2002

19. Christie Brinkley – 1981

18. Carolyn Murphy – 2005

17. Cheryl Tiegs – 1975

16. Beyonce – 2007

15. Valeria Mazza and Tyra Banks – 1996

14. Paulina Porizkova – 1985

13. Daniela Pestova – 2000

12. Elle Macpherson – 1986

11. Veronika Varekova – 2004

10. Ashley Montana – 1991

9. Elsa Benitez – 2001

8. Brooklyn Decker – 2010

7. Rebecca Romjin – 1999

6. All Star SI Cover – 2006

5. Heidi Klum – 1998

4. Petra Nemcova – 2003

3. Bar Refaeli – 2009

2. Tyra Banks – 1997

1. Marisa Miller – 2008