Why Enter the World Press Photo Contest?

  • Global publicity by means of a year-long touring exhibition in 80+ cities, seen by over 4 million guests
  • Publication within the annual World Press Photo Yearbook (6 languages, 30,000+ copies worldwide)
  • Promotion throughout World Press Photo’s web site and social media (2M+ followers)
  • Professional recognition from main regional and international juries
  • Invitations to exhibitions, talks, and public occasions

Awards & Prizes

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

Who Can Apply?

  • Professional photographers working in photojournalism and/or documentary pictures
  • Proof {of professional} standing required (e.g. press card, publication credit from 2024–2025, company letter, or affiliation membership)
  • Individual or group entries accepted
  • Photographs don’t should be revealed to be eligible

Contest Categories

Singles

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

Stories

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

Long-Term Projects

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

Regions & Judging

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

Key Dates (2026 Contest Timeline)

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

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 add proof {of professional} standing
  3. Upload your pictures, captions (in English), and metadata
  4. Ensure compliance with manipulation, AI, and ethics guidelines
  5. Submit earlier than the deadline (you may edit and resubmit anytime earlier than it closes)

Important Notes

  • AI-generated photographs are not allowed
  • Images have to be camera-made and minimally adjusted in line with contest guidelines
  • Accurate, moral captions are necessary
  • All submissions should comply with the World Press Photo Code of Ethics

Apply Here