Overview:

The World Press Photo Contest recognises the best professional photojournalism and documentary photography produced over the past year. The contest is open globally and highlights compelling visual storytelling across categories such as General News, Spot News, Contemporary Issues, Environment, Portraits, Sports, and Long-Term Projects. Selected works are featured in international exhibitions, publications, and media coverage.

2026 Contest timeline

Entries open: 1 December 2025
Entries close: 17 January 2026, 13.00 CET (Amsterdam time)
Contest winners announcement: 9 April 2026
Photo of the Year (with two finalists) announcement: 23 April 2026
Flagship World Press Photo Exhibition 2026 opens in Amsterdam: April 2026

Eligibility:

• Professional photographers and photojournalists
• Must demonstrate professional status (press card, publication credits, association membership, or reference letter)
• Open to all nationalities, including South Asian artists
• Entries must be original and created within the contest year
• Submissions must include accurate captions and metadata in English

What’s Offered:

As a winner, your work will be:

• Included in our annual traveling exhibition seen by over 4 million visitors, shown around the world in over 80 cities
• Published on our website and social platforms with over 2 million followers
• Included in our annual yearbook, available in six languages with a worldwide distribution of more than 30,000 copies

You will also receive:

• €1,000 for each of the winners and an additional €10,000 for the World Press Photo of the Year winner
• FUJIFILM GFX cameras and lenses will be awarded to the World Press Photo of the Year winner and two finalists
• An invitation to a winners’ event in Amsterdam for all winners
• A physical award for all winners

How to Apply:
Submit entries online via World Press Photo’s official contest platform. Follow all instructions for captions, metadata, and category submission.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: JANUARY 15, 2026