The 2027 awards are open

The World Sports Photography Awards is taking entries again, billing itself as the world's foremost showcase of sports photography. Entry costs nothing.

“the world's foremost showcase of sports photography”

Last year drew 4,200 shots

Photographers from 123 countries sent in over 4,200 images covering 60 different sports. That is the field you are entering against.

Canon is back as sponsor

For a second year, Canon sponsors the competition. Co-founder Simon Burton called the brand the obvious fit for a sports photography prize.

“there's no name more synonymous with sports photography”

Ten images, 24 categories

You can submit up to 10 images across 24 sports categories. Shots must have been captured between December 2025 and November 2026, and last year's entries cannot be resubmitted.

Deadline is November 23

Entries close on November 23 2026. That gives you a full season of sport to shoot before you have to choose your ten.

Read the rules first

Author Mike Harris has judged plenty of competitions and says breaching the guidelines is one of the biggest mistakes entrants make. The recent Capture the Dark controversy is the cautionary tale.

“It's therefore imperative that you take a detailed look at the WSPA's rules page”

A prize for under-25s

The Canon Emerging Talent award returns, open to photographers under 25. Canon's Richard Shepherd frames it as a platform to help young shooters take the next career step.

“tell the powerful stories at the heart of sport”