The 2026 World Press Photo Contest offers photographers worldwide a chance to win nearly $13,000 in prizes plus professional Fujifilm GFX camera equipment. Entries must be submitted by January 17, 2026. The prestigious competition recognizes excellence in visual journalism across multiple formats and celebrates stories that shape global understanding.
Photographers can compete in three distinct categories. The Singles category features individual photographs captured in 2025. The Stories category requires four to ten images, with at least four shot in 2025, to create narrative photo essays. The Long Term Projects category demands between 24 and 30 images spanning at least three different years, though six must be from 2025. All 2025 photographs across categories automatically qualify for the World Press Photo of the Year title.
Category winners receive $1,000 cash, inclusion in the year-long international exhibition, placement in the annual yearbook, an invitation to the winners ceremony in Amsterdam, and a physical award. The World Press Photo of the Year winner gains an additional $10,000 prize and a complete Fujifilm GFX camera and lens kit. Two runners-up also receive Fujifilm GFX equipment packages.
The contest employs a regional jury model with six independent panels representing different global areas. Regional jury chairs include Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi, Yasuyoshi Chiba, Silvia Omedes, Marie Monteleone, Gael Almeida, and Gabrielle Fonseca Johnson. These regional experts evaluate entries within appropriate cultural, political, and social contexts. Creative director Kira Pollack serves as Global Jury Chair. Pollack recently completed fellowships at Harvard Kennedy School and USC's Starling Lab, where she worked on preserving photojournalism archives.
Pollack emphasizes photography's vital role in contemporary society. At a time when truth feels fragile and contested, visual journalism stands as a powerful witness tool. Photography transcends language barriers and borders, shifting perspectives and moving policymakers and public opinion toward action. Photojournalists often work at great personal risk to create this understanding. She looks forward to reviewing submissions from every corner of the globe and engaging with distinguished jury members to recognize photographers shaping world comprehension.
The competition remains open until January 17, 2026. Complete rules and regulations are available on the official website. Photographers seeking inspiration can review previous winning images. The contest continues its mission to elevate visual journalism and support storytellers documenting critical moments in human history.
