The 11th Annual Exotic Dancer Invitationals return in 2026 with expanded talent, two national competitions and a brand-new mini-title
Palm Harbor, FL — The Exotic Dancer Invitational (EDI), the nation’s premier national feature-dance competition series, proudly returns for its 11th year in 2026 with new faces, newer stages and more excitement than ever before. This year’s EDIs will once again bring together some of the top feature entertainers in the industry, 36 contestants total, split evenly between the East and West competitions. Each regional event will showcase 18 elite performers, competing in the two signature EDI categories: Showgirl and Starlet.
The season opens April 29-May 1 with the EDI East at Jerry Westlund’s brand-new Pony Club in Huntsville, AL, a venue that promises to propel the deep south into adult nightclub infamy for its high-energy atmosphere and deep connection to the EDI community. Eighteen competitors, nine Showgirls and nine Starlets, will perform across three dynamic nights of athleticism, production and sex appeal.
The EDI East 2026 Showgirl Division is slated to include: Autumn Knights, Ginger WTFA, Justice, Ms Galaxi, Hayla Faye, Phoenix Phires, Dyna Divine, Vampiress and Nova Baby.
The EDI East Starlet Division is slated to include: Riot Graves, Aerial Andi, Summer Reign, Bree Vybes, Zelda Zodiac, Spencer, Caitlyn Baby, Charm Daze and Serenity Valentine.
The EDI West returns June 3-5 to Platinum 84 in Denver, a longtime partner and one of the most electric stages on the EDI circuit. Another 18, sought-after features will compete with their most ambitious and creative shows, each aiming to claim a coveted Western crown.
The EDI West 2026 Showgirl Division is slated to include: Farley Lynn, Linzee Ryder, Rachel Rampage, Ms. Parker, Madelaine Horn, Nia Nebula, Raychel Revolver, Delilah Deluxx and Claire Fae.
The EDI West 2026 Starlet Division is slated to include: Raelynn the Stallion, Storm Estrella, Phoenix Rising, Jordan Dove, Wild HollyWould, Nikita Knight, Jynx Argo, Persia Peresoplis and Spyder.
“We can’t wait to see the brand new Pony Club in Huntsville, from everything we’ve heard from Jerry, this is going to be an amazing venue!” says EDI Founder and Exotic Dancer Publisher, Dave Manack. “And we truly enjoy visiting Denver. Platinum 84 is a fun venue and we have a great relationship with Scott Richter, GM Dave Peacock and the staff there.”
Each division will crown champions in both the East and West before advancing to the EDI Finals on Sunday evening, August 23rd at Spearmint Rhino in Las Vegas. The EDI Overall Champion will be crowned at the Exotic Dancer Awards during next year’s 33rd Annual ED EXPO, taking place August 23–26, 2026, at the Rio Hotel and Casino (the 2026 ED Awards Show will be held Tuesday, August 25, at the Penn & Teller Theater inside the Rio). Veteran DJ/emcee Danny Meyers (“What’s Hot in the Strip Clubs” podcast) will return to host the EDIs in 2026, and the EDIs will continue to be co-produced by Roxi D’Lite.
NEW FOR 2026: In recognition of the increasing creativity of pole performance, the EDIs proudly introduce a brand-new mini-title: Best Pole Performer. Open to both Showgirls and Starlets, this mini-title will celebrate the competitor whose pole work demonstrates exceptional skill, originality and stagecraft. The addition marks another step in the EDI’s ongoing commitment to honoring every facet of feature entertainment.
“We’re always excited to produce the EDI in conjunction with clubs that value our partnership,” Manack goes on to add. “These clubs — Platinum 84 in Denver and Jerry Westlund’s Pony Club in Huntsville — also appreciate the talent and competition that our contest showcases, so this is a win-win for everyone involved.”
For more information on next year’s EDIs or to become a sponsor, please visit TheEDIs.com or call the ED office at 727-726-3592.
