America's most expected magazine release happened this week. The new Sports Illustrated issue hit newsstands Tuesday, right on time for Valentine's day. In its first day, the issue generated 3.5 billion impressions across the various web and mobile platforms where it is published, according to Terry McDonell, the editor of Time Inc. Sports Group.

American bombshell Kate Upton graces the new cover, a curvaceous choice lauded by many critics and editors who are combatting the trend of skinny models. A choice that also satisfies Upton's fan base, which grew to tremendous proportions after a video of her performing the Dougie (dance) at a Los Angeles Clippers game in April 2011went viral on youtube.

This year's issue features photographers James Macari, Derek Kettela, Bjorn Iooss, Kayt Jones and Stewart Shining. Sports Illustrated long-time contributor Walter Iooss Jr. shot the cover and additional spreads.

Elodie Mailliet