2026 World Sports Photography Awards

The 2026 World Sports Photography Awards contest has just revealed its winners, and the overall prize has gone to a jaw-dropping image that captures both artistry and athleticism. Edgar Su’s photograph, titled Carlos’ Shadow Hits A Ball, has taken the top honor in what was a record-breaking year for the competition. Even if you aren’t really into sports photography, you’re going to love it, along with the selection of category winners.

Shot during the 2025 Australian Open in Melbourne, the winning photo freezes a moment in Carlos Alcaraz’s fourth-round match against Britain’s Jack Draper. What makes the image extraordinary is the composition – the shadow of Alcaraz’s racket appears to strike the ball with impeccable timing, creating a silhouette that makes this photo absolutely iconic. Other than winning the overall contest, it’s also the winner in the Tennis category.

This image wasn’t just a crowd favorite – it led a collection of 24 category-topping photographs that together span more than 50 sports, including football, baseball, winter sports, and equestrian disciplines. The competition, sponsored by Canon, saw a record-breaking 23,130 entries from 4,120 photographers across 123 countries.

I personally find it pretty interesting that this is the third time a tennis photo has won the top prize, at least since I’ve followed the contest. James Gourley won in 2021 with a very symbolic sweat droplet image. And the following year, a perfectly timed butterfly shot brought David Gray the main prize. 

A Showcase Of Global Talent In Sports Photography

The diversity and quality of submissions this year highlight the ever-evolving landscape of sports photography. While technological advancements continue to enhance gear, the judges, as always, emphasize that it’s the photographer’s vision that truly sets an image apart. And like every year, this is what we can truly see in the image collection.

Richard Shepherd, Product Marketing Senior Manager, Imaging at Canon Europe, commented:

“The images recognised this year showcase photographers at their creative best, pushing boundaries, seeing differently and capturing sport in ways we’ve not experienced before. Canon’s role is to support that creativity through equipment photographers can trust under pressure, enabling them to create different in the most demanding moments.”

Indeed, this year’s winners reflect the unique perspectives and daring timing of some of the world’s most talented photographers. I’m not even that much into sports photography myself, but the World Sports Photography Awards is something else. I always enjoy these photos so much!

Category Winners

While Su’s image took the top prize, the 2026 World Sports Photography Awards also honored winning photos across 24 categories. These category winners collectively tell stories of discipline, risk, triumph, and heartbreak – all in a single frame.

Enjoy the category winners below, and to see all the winning images and learn more about the photographers, visit the World Sports Photography Awards website.

More from World Sports Photography Awards

• Photo of a sweat droplet is the best sports photo of 2021
• A perfect moment of tennis player saving a butterfly wins 2022 World Sports Photography Awards
• A “heavenly” shot of a golfer in the clouds wins 2023 World Sports Photography Awards
• Perfectly timed gymnast photo wins World Sports Photography Awards 2024
• “Flying” Olympic surfer wins 2025 World Sports Photography Awards

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