2026 World Press Photo Contest (Free Entry, Global Recognition)

The 2026 World Press Photo Contest is now open, inviting professional photojournalists and documentary photographers from around the world to submit their most compelling work from the past year. As one of the most prestigious photography competitions globally, the contest celebrates powerful visual storytelling that informs, inspires, and connects audiences worldwide.

With free entry, significant cash prizes, and unmatched international exposure, this is a major opportunity for photographers working on news, social, political, environmental, sports, and long-term documentary stories.

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Why Enter the World Press Photo Contest?

Winning or being shortlisted for World Press Photo can be career-defining. Selected work will receive:

• Global exposure through a year-long traveling exhibition in 80+ cities, seen by over 4 million visitors
• Publication in the annual World Press Photo Yearbook (6 languages, 30,000+ copies worldwide)
• Promotion across World Press Photo’s website and social media (2M+ followers)
• Professional recognition from leading regional and global juries
• Invitations to exhibitions, talks, and public events

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Awards & Prizes

• €1,000 for each contest winner
• 42 winners total (Singles, Stories, Long-Term Projects across 6 regions)
• World Press Photo of the Year:
  • Additional €10,000
  • FUJIFILM GFX cameras & lenses (winner + 2 finalists)
  • Additional physical award
• Invitation to the Winners’ Event in Amsterdam
• Physical award for all winners

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Who Can Apply?

• Professional photographers working in photojournalism and/or documentary photography
• Proof of professional status required (e.g. press card, publication credits from 2024–2025, agency letter, or association membership)
• Individual or team entries accepted
• Photographs do not need to be published to be eligible

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Contest Categories

You may submit work in three format-based categories:

Singles

• One single-frame photograph
• Must be shot in 2025
• Eligible for Photo of the Year

Stories

• 4–10 photographs
• Shot in 2024 and/or 2025
• At least 4 images from 2025

Long-Term Projects

• 24–30 photographs on a single theme
• At least 3 different years, with a minimum of 6 images from 2025

A photograph can only be entered once (Single OR Story OR Long-Term Project).

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Regions & Judging

Entries are judged based on where the work was shot, not the photographer’s nationality. The contest covers six regions:

• Africa
• Asia Pacific & Oceania
• Europe
• North & Central America
• South America
• West, Central & South Asia

Judging takes place in regional rounds, followed by a global jury, ensuring fair representation, contextual understanding, and diversity.

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Key Dates (2026 Contest Timeline)

• Entries open: 1 December 2025
• Deadline: 17 January 2026, 13:00 CET (Amsterdam time)
• Contest winners announced: 9 April 2026
• Photo of the Year announced: 23 April 2026
• Flagship exhibition opens (Amsterdam): April 2026

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How to Apply

1. Create or log in to your account on Picter (official entry platform)
2. Register for the 2026 World Press Photo Contest and upload proof of professional status
3. Upload your photographs, captions (in English), and metadata
4. Ensure compliance with manipulation, AI, and ethics rules
5. Submit before the deadline (you can edit and resubmit anytime before it closes)

First-time entrants can seek guidance from 2026 Contest Ambassadors, a group of independent industry experts and former jury members available via Instagram.

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Important Notes

• AI-generated images are not allowed
• Images must be camera-made and minimally adjusted according to contest rules
• Accurate, ethical captions are mandatory
• All submissions must follow the World Press Photo Code of Ethics

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Apply Here

Official contest page & entry portal