World Press Photo Contest 2026 — The World’s Leading Photojournalism Award

The World Press Photo Contest 2026 is the world’s most prestigious competition dedicated to professional photojournalism and documentary photography. Each year, it honors powerful images and visual stories that capture the realities of our time — from breaking news and social issues to environment, culture, sports, and long-term documentary projects.

Organized by the World Press Photo Foundation, this contest sets the global standard for excellence, ethics, and impact in visual journalism.

Key Dates for 2026

• Entries open: December 2025
• Submission deadline: January 2026
• Regional winners announced: March 2026
• World Press Photo of the Year announced: April 2026
• Global exhibition launch: April 2026

Only work created mainly in the previous calendar year is eligible for submission.

Who Can Enter?

The contest is open to professional photographers working in:

• Photojournalism
• Documentary photography
• Visual storytelling

Applicants must demonstrate professional status through published work, professional assignments, or recognized credentials. Team submissions are allowed, provided each contributor meets professional requirements.

Contest Formats & Categories

The competition is organized into three main formats:

Singles

Single photographs that capture a compelling moment or decisive event.

Stories

Narrative photo series consisting of multiple images that together tell a complete story.

Long-Term Projects

Extended documentary work developed over multiple years, offering deep insight into ongoing issues.

Entries are evaluated regionally before advancing to the global jury stage, ensuring cultural context and balanced representation.

Awards & Global Recognition

Winners receive:

• Cash prizes at regional and global levels
• International recognition as a World Press Photo award winner
• Inclusion in a global traveling exhibition shown in dozens of countries
• Publication in the annual World Press Photo yearbook
• Global media exposure and professional visibility
• Invitation to the winners’ program in Amsterdam

The highest honor, World Press Photo of the Year, is selected from among all regional winners.

Ethics, Integrity & Judging

The contest is known for its strict ethical standards. All submissions undergo rigorous verification to ensure:

• Accuracy and authenticity
• Minimal and transparent post-processing
• Truthful captions and contextual information
• Compliance with professional journalism ethics

Fully AI-generated images are not accepted. Photography must reflect real events and factual storytelling.

Why the World Press Photo Contest Matters

This contest plays a vital role in:

• Upholding high standards in photojournalism
• Giving global visibility to underreported stories
• Encouraging ethical visual storytelling
• Preserving visual history through photography
• Supporting journalists working in challenging environments

Winning or being shortlisted can be career-defining, opening doors to international assignments, exhibitions, and publications.

The World Press Photo Contest 2026 is more than a competition — it is a platform that amplifies truth, humanity, and powerful storytelling through images. For professional photographers committed to documenting the world with integrity and depth, this contest represents the highest level of recognition in visual journalism.