LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Two Las Vegas babies are in the running for a national title, and their families say winning could make a lasting difference in their lives.
The 2026 Baby of the Year contest offers a $25,000 prize and a feature in Variety magazine. Celebrity ambassadors include Jessica Alba and Paris Hilton.
Now, baby Cassius and baby Ava are waiting to advance to the quarterfinals, with their families hoping to bring home the prize.
Ava’s mother, Alexis Romero, said her daughter has remained near the top of the competition throughout the process.
Romero said Ava advanced through the top 10 and top five before entering the wild card round, where she was in first place at the time of the interview.
Cassius, who is also eight months old, has made an impression on his family and those around him. His mother, Colby Beardsley, said he has already overcome challenges early in his life.
“He’s been a fighter,” Beardsley said, recalling how Cassius spent several days in the neonatal intensive care unit shortly after birth.
Since then, she said, he has continued to radiate an energy that draws people to him.
“Everybody is drawn to him,” Beardsley said.
Cassius’ parents said they discovered the contest on social media and were surprised by how quickly he advanced. After reaching the top 20 one week, he moved to the top 15 the following week and then into the top five.
His father, Cruz Ontivero, said the family began to realize the contest could be a meaningful opportunity.
For Cassius’ growing family, the prize money could help them move into a larger home with more room for him and his brothers to play.
Ava’s family also has plans for the potential winnings. Romero said they would save most of the money for Ava’s education while also making a donation toward pancreatic cancer research in honor of her father.
Both families said they are grateful for the support they have received from friends, relatives, and everyone who has voted for their babies.
Voting in the 2026 Baby of the Year contest ends Nov. 5.
The wild card round is scheduled to end Sunday at 7 p.m.
How to vote: Click on their names to vote for them, Ava and Cassius.
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