Applications are open for World Press Photo Contest 2026. The annual World Press Photo Contest recognizes and celebrates the best photojournalism and documentary photography produced over the last year. Entering is free and prizes include up to €11,000, inclusion in our annual traveling exhibition, and more.
Entries for the 2026 World Press Photo Contest are open until 17 January 2026. We’re excited to invite photographers from all over the world, with a rich variety of stories and perspectives, to enter their work!
World Press Photo Contest Benefits
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
Eligibility Criteria
- Entering the World Press Photo Contest is free and open to all professional photographers working in the field of photojournalism and/or documentary photography.
World Press Photo Contest timeline
- Entries open: 1 December 2025
- Entries close: 17 January 2026, 13.00 CET (Amsterdam time)
- Contest winners announcement: March/April 2026
- Photo of the Year (with two finalists) announcement: April 2026
- Flagship World Press Photo Exhibition 2026 opens in Amsterdam: April 2026
How To Apply for World Press Photo Contest
Application Deadline: 17 January 2026
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