World Sports Photography Awards 2026 – sponsored by Canon – now open for entries

World Sports Photography Awards, the world’s leading celebration of sports photography, today announces Canon as the Official Imaging Partner for the highly-anticipated 2026 awards. Celebrating the world’s finest sports photographers, the free to enter awards recognise images that capture the passion, raw emotion, athleticism, and focus at the heart of sport.

Judged by leading figures from sport, media, photography, branding, and the creative industries, the World Sports Photography Awards has firmly established itself as the world’s biggest celebration of sports photography. The 2025 awards marked a record-breaking year, attracting over 2,200 photographers from 97 countries submitting work across more than 50 sports. Extensive international media coverage and participation from leading sports organisations underscored the award’s continued global growth and influence.

Commenting on Canon’s sponsorship of the awards and what we can expect for 2026, World Sports Photography Awards Co-Founder, Simon Burton, said: “If there’s one name synonymous with sports photography, it’s Canon. We couldn’t be more honoured or excited to welcome Canon to World Sports Photography Awards. It’s been an incredible year for sport around the world, and we are eager to see the images submitted this year across sports and geographies.”

Canon has a long and proud history in sports photography, equipping generations of photographers with the tools to capture iconic sporting moments that have defined eras. A brand-new and exciting addition for the 2026 edition is the ‘Canon Emerging Talent’ award. This dedicated category will shine a spotlight on the next generation of sports photographers, specifically recognising young and upcoming talent under the age of 30 for their unique skill, creativity, and passion in capturing the drama and beauty of sport.

Richard Shepherd, Product Marketing Senior Manager, Imaging at Canon Europe, adds: “Canon has a proud legacy of supporting professional sports photographers and helping them capture some of the most iconic moments in sporting history. With the introduction of the ‘Canon Emerging Talent’ award, we’re building on that heritage by extending our support to the next generation of visual storytellers. This new category celebrates the creativity and passion of up-and-coming photographers and reflects our ongoing commitment to providing the tools and opportunities they need to thrive."

With this announcement, the 2026 awards are now officially open for entries. Participants from across the industry and globe are invited to submit their work and gain recognition on one of the most celebrated stages in the field.

For 2026, photographers are invited to submit up to 10 images captured between December 2024 and November 2025 across 24 sports categories. Submissions are free of charge and close on 24 November 2025. Please note that images entered in the 2025 competition are not eligible.

Key details:

• Entries open: 01 October 2025
• Submission deadline: 24 November 2025
• Eligibility: Up to 10 images taken between December 2024 – November 2025
• Categories: 24 sports categories
• Cost: Free of charge

The World Sports Photography Awards, sponsored by Canon, continue to celebrate the art of sports photography – showcasing the images and photographers that inspire audiences around the world.

For rules and regulations, please visit the Rules page, T&Cs and other FAQs here.

For more information and to enter, visit: www.worldsportsphotographyawards.com

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World Sports Photography Awards

Nothing captures the emotion of sports like photography. World Sport Photography Awards celebrates the best sports photography by the best sports photographers. With images from over 60 different sports, from elite to grass roots, the World Sports Photography Awards tell compelling stories of the emotion, passion, athleticism and focus that are at the heart of sport.

Now in its sixth edition, the World Sports Photography Awards are the only global awards for sport photography. Entered by the world’s best sports photographers, judged by leading figures from sport, media, photography, brand and creative. Designed to recognise and celebrates incredible sports images and the photographers who take them.

https://www.worldsportsphotographyawards.com/

Canon Europe

Canon Europe is the EMEA strategic headquarters of Canon Inc., a global provider of imaging technologies and services. Canon Europe has operations in roughly 120 countries, with approximately 12,300 employees, and contributes to approximately a quarter of Canon’s global revenues annually.

Founded in 1937, the desire to continuously innovate has kept Canon at the forefront of imaging excellence throughout its 85-plus year history and has commitments to invest in the right areas and capture growth opportunities, from cameras to commercial printers, and industrial equipment to healthcare technologies.

Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei – ‘living and working together for the common good’. In EMEA, Canon Europe pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services.

Canon is constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through its technology and spirit of innovation, it pushes the bounds of what is possible – helping to see our world in ways we never have before.

Further information about Canon Europe is available at: www.canon-europe.com