Not only is the newest Playboy Playmate of the Year the first Mexican-American woman to receive the title, but she may have had the hottest photoshoot, literally.
Playmate Raquel Pomplun told Us Weekly she was surprised to receive the honor because she had a fever of 103 degrees when the pictures were taken for the issue that drew the attention. She wasn't sure how the photos would come out. Pomplun first appeared on the pages of Playboy in April 2012 as the cover girl, according to NY Daily News. The 25-year-old marks the magazine's 54th choice for the title.
Pomplun, a biochemistry major and ballerina, was named Playmate of the Year May 9 at the Playboy Mansion. Pomplun will be featured on the cover of the magazine's June issue, according to US Weekly. And not only did Pomplun receive the gracious title, but she was awarded $100,000 cash and a 2014 Jaguar F-Type. Playboy has awarded cars to each Playmate of the Year since 1994.
Pomplun currently hosts Blackbelt TV's "Rockin' Rounds" and is the co-host of Playboy Radio's "Playmates Present." Hefner told US Weekly that his choice in Pomplun was not just about her beauty, but because of her other qualities as well.
"[This honor is] a reflection of not only Raquel's beauty but her personality as well," Hefner told Us Weekly. "She's gorgeous! But then all the Playmates are gorgeous. I think what sets her apart is that little extra something. She's so good with people, and that's part of what being a Playmate of the Year is all about."
Hefner recently wed Playmate Crystal Harris in December, after their first engagement was called off. Hefner told US Weekly the transition to wedded bliss has been seamless.
See cover here.
Pomplun joins a list of playmates including Kiss rocker Gene Simmons' wife Shannon Tweed, Anna Nicole Smith and Jenny McCarthy who have also won the title. Model Ellen Stratton was crowned the first Playmate of the Year in 1964. Jaclyn Swedberg was last year's choice.
