World Sports Photography Awards 2027 – sponsored by Canon – now open for entries

The 2026 edition marked a breakthrough year, attracting over 4,200 entries from photographers in 123 countries and spanning more than 60 sports. Extensive international media coverage, coupled with support from leading sports organisations, underlined the awards' continued global growth and rising influence.

Commenting on Canon’s sponsorship of the awards and what we can expect for 2027, World Sports Photography Awards Co-Founder, Simon Burton, said: "Canon has been the perfect partner for the World Sports Photography Awards, and there's no name more synonymous with sports photography. Building on such a fantastic first year together, we're thrilled to continue this relationship as we head into year two. It's been another remarkable year for sport around the globe, and we can't wait to see the images photographers submit this year, capturing the passion and drama of sport across every discipline and every corner of the world.”

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. The introduction of the ‘Canon Emerging Talent’ award in the 2026 edition has shown amazing success and looks to bring along the next era of great sports photographers once again in 2027. This dedicated category will continue recognising young and upcoming talent, with the age of the award dropping slightly to under the age of 25 to better capture the essence of the award.

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 the moments that define sporting history. Following the success of the ‘Canon Emerging Talent’ award in 2026, we’re delighted to continue our support for the next generation of sports photographers in 2027. By recognising emerging talent and giving young photographers a platform to showcase their creativity and passion, we hope to help them take the next step in their careers and tell the powerful stories at the heart of sport.”

With this announcement, the 2027 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 2027, photographers are invited to submit up to 10 images captured between December 2025 and November 2026 across 24 sports categories. Submissions are free of charge and close on 23 November 2026. Please note that images entered in the 2026 competition are not eligible. We have also made some adjustments to the categories, which we ask photographers to be aware of when entering.

Key details:

• Entries open: 09 September 2026
• Submission deadline: 23 November 2026
• Eligibility: Up to 10 images taken between December 2025 – November 2026
• 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&C's and other FAQs here.

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

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NOTE TO EDITORS: FULL PRESS KIT AND 2026 WINNING IMAGES AVAILABLE HERE

For more information about the World Sports Photography Awards, please contact – info@worldsportsphotographyawards.com

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 eighth 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