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

World Sports Photography Awards, the world’s main celebration of sports activities images, at present publicizes Canon because the Official Imaging Partner for the highly-anticipated 2026 awards. Celebrating the world’s best sports activities photographers, the free to enter awards recognise photographs that seize the fervour, uncooked emotion, athleticism, and focus on the coronary heart of sport.

Judged by main figures from sport, media, images, branding, and the artistic industries, the World Sports Photography Awards has firmly established itself because the world’s largest celebration of sports activities images. The 2025 awards marked a record-breaking 12 months, attracting over 2,200 photographers from 97 nations submitting work throughout greater than 50 sports activities. Extensive worldwide media protection and participation from main sports activities organisations underscored the award’s continued international development and affect.

Commenting on Canon’s sponsorship of the awards and what we will count on for 2026, World Sports Photography Awards Co-Founder, Simon Burton, stated: “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 an extended and proud historical past in sports activities images, equipping generations of photographers with the instruments to seize iconic sporting moments which have outlined eras. A brand-new and thrilling addition for the 2026 version is the ‘Canon Emerging Talent’ award. This devoted class will shine a highlight on the following era of sports activities photographers, particularly recognising younger and upcoming expertise below the age of 30 for his or her distinctive talent, creativity, and keenness in capturing the drama and great thing about sport.

Richard Shepherd, Product Marketing Senior Manager, Imaging at Canon Europe, provides: “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 at the moment are formally open for entries. Participants from throughout the business and globe are invited to submit their work and acquire recognition on one of the celebrated phases within the area.

For 2026, photographers are invited to submit as much as 10 photographs captured between December 2024 and November 2025 throughout 24 sports activities classes. Submissions are freed from cost and shut on 24 November 2025. Please be aware that photographs entered within the 2025 competitors will not be eligible.

Key particulars:

• Entries open: 01 October 2025
• Submission deadline: 24 November 2025
• Eligibility: Up to 10 photographs taken between December 2024 – November 2025
• Categories: 24 sports activities classes
• Cost: Free of cost

The World Sports Photography Awards, sponsored by Canon, proceed to rejoice the artwork of sports activities images – showcasing the pictures and photographers that encourage audiences world wide.

For guidelines and laws, please go to the Rules web page, T&Cs and different FAQs right here. 

For extra data and to enter, go to: www.worldsportsphotographyawards.com