The world’s best sport photography competition is open for entries! Find out how to win big with my insider advice

The World Sports Photography Awards, sponsored by Canon, is the premier showcase for sports photography. The deadline for entries to the 2027 edition is 23rd November 2026. This renowned competition invites both amateur and professional photographers from across the world to submit up to ten images that encapsulate the essence of sports, which span across 24 categories like Athletics, Cricket, Cycling, Football, Golf, Swimming & Diving, Tennis, and Rugby.

One of the most notable additions in the 2026 edition was the introduction of the 'Canon Emerging Talent' award. This category continues to bring forth the next generation of exceptional sports photographers. The judges comprise esteemed individuals from the fields of sport, media, photography, branding, and the creative sector. The competition is renowned for its recognition of the emotional, physical, and mental aspects of sports, as well as the beauty in unique perspectives and creative framing.

Carlos' Shadow Hits a Ball, a Grand Prix Gold Winner and Tennis Gold Award image by Edgar Su, serves as an excellent example of the kind of work that could stand out in this competition. The judges look for photographs that showcase the photographer's understanding of the sport, as well as their ability to capture the emotional aspects of the moment. Transferable skills from other photography genres, such as street and portrait photography, can be highly beneficial for sports photography.

When submitting your work, consider the technical aspects such as light, composition, anticipation of movements, and use of negative space. However, don't shy away from thinking outside the box and experimenting with unique angles, perspectives, and cropping. The photography that best embodies these principles is more likely to capture the judges' attention. For more inspiration and guidance, visit the 2026 World Sports Photography Award winners page and see the complete guide on shooting great action and sports photos.