{"id":455968,"date":"2025-12-18T17:14:58","date_gmt":"2025-12-18T17:14:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/455968\/"},"modified":"2025-12-18T17:14:58","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T17:14:58","slug":"50-world-sports-photography-awards-finalists-capture-beauty-and-brutality","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/455968\/","title":{"rendered":"50 World Sports Photography Awards Finalists Capture Beauty and Brutality"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img data-perfmatters-preload=\"\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/wspa-finalists-featured3-800x420.jpg\" alt=\"A collage shows: a skier descending a steep, blue-striped slope; a boxer with blood covering her face and gloves; and a hockey goalie guarding the net as an opponent shoots the puck from above.\" width=\"800\" height=\"420\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-831789\"  \/><\/p>\n<p>Around 4,100 photographers from 123 different countries entered over 23,000 photos into the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.worldsportsphotographyawards.com\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"follow external noopener nofollow\">World Sports Photography Awards 2026<\/a> competition. While the winners won\u2019t be revealed until next month, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.worldsportsphotographyawards.com\/winners-and-shortlists-per-year\/finalists-2026\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"follow external noopener nofollow\">finalists<\/a> across the contest\u2019s 24 categories have been selected, and every single photo is incredible. <\/p>\n<p>The World Sports Photography Awards is the premier sports photography competition, launched in 2020. In six short years, the contest has grown significantly, and this year\u2019s edition is the biggest one yet. <\/p>\n<p>This is also the first year that Canon, a major player in the sports photography world, <a href=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/2025\/10\/01\/canon-doubles-down-on-its-sports-legacy-and-sponsors-world-sports-photography-awards\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">is an official World Sports Photography Awards partner<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf there\u2019s one name synonymous with sports photography, it\u2019s Canon. We couldn\u2019t be more honored or excited to welcome Canon to World Sports Photography Awards,\u201d said Simon Burton, World Sports Photography Awards Co-Founder, in October. \u201cIt\u2019s been an incredible year for sport around the world, and we are eager to see the images submitted this year across sports and geographies.\u201d <\/p>\n<p>As part of Canon\u2019s involvement, a new award will be presented next month: the Canon Emerging Talent Award. This category celebrates the work of young, up-and-coming sports photographers under 30. <\/p>\n<p> 50 Selected Finalists From the World Sports Photography Awards 2026  <\/p>\n<p>Showing every single finalist \u2014 there are over 50 in some categories \u2014 would be excessive. Instead, PetaPixel has selected 50 total finalists to feature in this story, with at least two from each of the competition\u2019s 24 different categories, ranging from American Football all the way to Winter Sports, with plenty of diverse athletic endeavors in between. Without further ado, here are 50 beautiful photos from the World Sports Photography Awards 2026, some of which may ultimately win awards in their respective categories or even be named the overall winner. <\/p>\n<p> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/20-Swimming__Diving-Donald_Miralle-25535-company_logo_image-00001040-800x527.jpg\" alt=\"A swimmer in a black swimsuit swims freestyle near the surface of clear blue water, with a cityscape and blue sky visible in the background above the waterline.\" width=\"800\" height=\"527\" class=\"size-large wp-image-831729\"  \/>\u00a9 Donald Miralle, Swimming &amp; Diving Finalist | World Sports Photography Awards 2026 <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ice-hockey-jamie-sabau-579x800.jpg\" alt=\"A hockey player in a white uniform jumps and collides mid-air with a player in a black uniform during a game, while spectators watch from the stands in the background.\" width=\"579\" height=\"800\" class=\"size-large wp-image-831768\"  \/>\u00a9 Jamie Sabau, Ice Hockey Finalist | World Sports Photography Awards 2026 <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/motor-sports-gergely-boda-800x537.jpg\" alt=\"A race car speeds along a track at night, with bright, colorful lights and blurred buildings in the background, creating a sense of motion and excitement.\" width=\"800\" height=\"537\" class=\"size-large wp-image-831769\"  \/>\u00a9 Gergely Boda, Motorsports Finalist | World Sports Photography Awards 2026 <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/02-Aquatic-Peter_Chamberlain-4893-company_logo_image-00000074-800x534.jpg\" alt=\"A silhouetted surfer rides a wave at sunset, with sunlight and lens flares reflecting on the water and in the sky, creating a dramatic and vibrant scene.\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" class=\"size-large wp-image-831764\"  \/>\u00a9 Peter Chamberlain, Aquatic Finalist | World Sports Photography Awards 2026 <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/01-American_Football-Kevin_Sabitus-20216-company_logo_image-00000046-800x534.jpg\" alt=\"Football players in red and gold San Francisco 49ers uniforms tackle a Buffalo Bills player wearing a blue jersey with number 17 during a snowy game. Multiple players are colliding in intense action.\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" class=\"size-large wp-image-831766\"  \/>\u00a9 Kevin Sabitus, American Football Finalist | World Sports Photography Awards <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/03-Athletics-Aleksandar_Plavevski-17254-company_logo_image-00000142-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"A female pole vaulter in mid-air, wearing a red and white uniform and black knee-high socks, clears a pole against a dark background during a competition.\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" class=\"size-large wp-image-831763\"  \/>\u00a9 Aleksandar Plaveski, Athletics Finalist | World Sports Photography Awards 2026 <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/07-Cricket-Philip_Brown-4923-company_logo_image-00000317-620x800.jpg\" alt=\"A cricket wicketkeeper dives to his left to attempt a catch, while the batsman stands at the crease and the bowler and umpire look on during a match.\" width=\"620\" height=\"800\" class=\"size-large wp-image-831754\"  \/>\u00a9 Philip Brown, Cricket Finalist | World Sports Photography Awards 2026<br \/>\n <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/05-Basketball-Al_Bello-14504-company_logo_image-00000244-800x499.jpg\" alt=\"A basketball player in a black and white uniform looks up as a basketball passes through the hoop, viewed from above the rim on a wooden court.\" width=\"800\" height=\"499\" class=\"size-large wp-image-831759\"  \/>\u00a9 Al Bello, Basketball Finalist | World Sports Photography Awards 2026 <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/04-Baseball-Justin__Casterline_-22931-company_logo_image-00000204-800x534.jpg\" alt=\"A baseball player in a blue and white pinstriped uniform dives fully extended in midair, attempting to catch a ball just above the grass, with a blurred crowd in the background.\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" class=\"size-large wp-image-831761\"  \/>\u00a9 Justin Casterline, Baseball Finalist | World Sports Photography Awards 2026 <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/02-Aquatic-Andre_Magarao-15913-company_logo_image-00000095-800x534.jpg\" alt=\"A wakeboarder performs an aerial trick at night, illuminated by a bright flash. Water sprays dramatically in an arc, and a full moon glows in the dark sky behind, creating a dynamic and striking scene.\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" class=\"size-large wp-image-831765\"  \/>\u00a9 Andre Magarao, Aquatic Finalist | World Sports Photography Awards 2026 <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/08-Cycling-BAO_GIANG_TRAN-8617-company_logo_image-00000393-800x443.jpg\" alt=\"A group of cyclists races on a wet road, with one cyclist ahead who has lost control as their front wheel detaches, while the other competitors follow behind, splashing through water.\" width=\"800\" height=\"443\" class=\"size-large wp-image-831753\"  \/>\u00a9 Bao Giang Tran, Cycling Finalist | World Sports Photography Awards 2026 <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/24-Winter_Sports-Mattia_Ozbot-17372-company_logo_image-00001217-534x800.jpg\" alt=\"A skier in a red suit races downhill on a snow-covered slope, surrounded by blue and white streaks of shadow and light, creating a dynamic, abstract background.\" width=\"534\" height=\"800\" class=\"size-large wp-image-831722\"  \/>\u00a9 Mattia Ozbot, Winter Sports Finalist | World Sports Photography Awards 2026 <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/17-Other-Cameron_Spencer-10754-company_logo_image-00000862-800x534.jpg\" alt=\"Two Australian rules football players, one in red and one in black and white stripes, run and kick on a grassy field, casting long shadows in the sunlight. A yellow ball is visible near the player in stripes.\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" class=\"size-large wp-image-831735\"  \/>\u00a9 Cameron Spencer, Other Category Finalist | World Sports Photography Awards 2026 <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/13-Gymnastics-Ashley_Ray-4224-company_logo_image-00000645-800x519.jpg\" alt=\"A gymnast in a sparkly leotard balances on a beam, her face focused and close to her bent leg, with braided hair and a blurred red background.\" width=\"800\" height=\"519\" class=\"size-large wp-image-831743\"  \/>\u00a9 Ashley Ray, Gymnastics Finalist | World Sports Photography Awards 2026<br \/>\n <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/12-Golf-Octavio_Passos-5109-company_logo_image-00000587-800x534.jpg\" alt=\"An older man playing golf swings his club, sending the golf ball into the air out of a sand bunker on a bright, sunny day, with a green field in the background.\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" class=\"size-large wp-image-831744\"  \/>\u00a9 Octavio Passos, Golf Finalist | World Sports Photography Awards 2026 <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/10-Football-Joel_Marklund-21340-company_logo_image-00000522-800x534.jpg\" alt=\"A goalkeeper dives to his left, fully outstretched, attempting to save a soccer ball as players in yellow and green jerseys watch intently during a match in a crowded stadium.\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" class=\"size-large wp-image-831748\"  \/>\u00a9 Joel Marklund, Football Finalist | World Sports Photography Awards 2026 <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/11-Formula_1-Florent_Gooden-17309-company_logo_image-00000570-640x800.jpg\" alt=\"Formula 1 cars race closely together on a winding, brightly colored track with dramatic lighting and shadows, surrounded by green grass and distant spectators in the stands.\" width=\"640\" height=\"800\" class=\"size-large wp-image-831747\"  \/>\u00a9 Florent Gooden, Formula 1 FInalist | World Sports Photography Awards 2026 <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/08-Cycling-Xavier_Pereyron-7932-company_logo_image-00000391-800x534.jpg\" alt=\"A group of cyclists rides in a line under a bright blue sky filled with large, fluffy white clouds. The scene is vibrant and energetic, set against the expansive sky.\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" class=\"size-large wp-image-831752\"  \/>\u00a9 Xavier Pereyron, Cycling Finalist | World Sports Photography Awards 2026 <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/06-Boxing-Mikael_Ona-6744-company_logo_image-00000269-800x534.jpg\" alt=\"A boxer wearing white gloves labeled &quot;Canelo&quot; punches another boxer with braided hair and a focused expression in the face during a match. The impact distorts the recipient\u2019s cheek and eye area.\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" class=\"size-large wp-image-831757\"  \/>\u00a9 Mikael Ona, Boxing Finalist | World Sports Photography Awards 2026 <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/22-Urban__Extreme-gary_wainwright-5500-company_logo_image-00001111-800x534.jpg\" alt=\"A group of skydivers in colorful suits are free-falling through the sky above the clouds, some holding hands in formation, while one skydiver with a camera is in the foreground facing the group.\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" class=\"size-large wp-image-831726\"  \/>\u00a9 Gary Wainwright, Extreme Finalist | World Sports Photography Awards 2026 <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/16-Motor_Sports-Sam_Whitworth-11314-company_logo_image-00000796-800x450.jpg\" alt=\"A motorcycle racer leans sharply into a turn on a track, with flames shooting from the exhaust. The rider wears a red and yellow suit and helmet, and the bike is red with sponsors\u2019 logos. Grass and curbs line the track.\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" class=\"size-large wp-image-831737\"  \/>\u00a9 Sam Whitworth, Motor Sports Finalist | World Sports Photography Awards 2026<br \/>\n <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/19-Rugby-PAUL_Harding-20427-company_logo_image-00000983-800x532.jpg\" alt=\"A rugby player in a blue uniform carries the ball while fending off an opponent in a black uniform with an outstretched arm. Both are focused and determined on a grassy field.\" width=\"800\" height=\"532\" class=\"size-large wp-image-831730\"  \/>\u00a9 Paul Harding, Rugby Finalist | World Sports Photography Awards 2026 <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/04-Baseball-Michael_Kellams-16565-company_logo_image-00000192-800x534.jpg\" alt=\"A baseball pitcher in an Evanston jersey throws a pitch towards a batter, who prepares to swing. The ball is mid-air, and an umpire is visible in the background, watching the play closely.\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" class=\"size-large wp-image-831760\"  \/>\u00a9 Michael Kellams, Baseball Finalist | World Sports Photography Awards 2026 <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/03-Athletics-Emilee_Chinn-13746-company_logo_image-00000135-800x534.jpg\" alt=\"A runner in a black and white uniform falls backward onto the track as another athlete\u2019s foot lands on his face during a race, with other runners\u2019 legs visible in the background.\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" class=\"size-large wp-image-831762\"  \/>\u00a9 Emilee Chinn, Athletics Finalist | World Sports Photography Awards 2026 <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/01-American_Football-Andrew_Hancock-24206-company_logo_image-00000056-800x534.jpg\" alt=\"A football player in a white uniform reaches across the goal line for a touchdown while defenders in blue and gold uniforms attempt to stop him. The action takes place on a green field with a black and white end zone.\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" class=\"size-large wp-image-831767\"  \/>\u00a9 Andrew Hancock, American Football Finalist | World Sports Photography Awards 2026 <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/05-Basketball-Bob_Donnan-12865-company_logo_image-00000239-800x572.jpg\" alt=\"A basketball player in a blue uniform leaps mid-air for a dunk during a game, with teammates and fans cheering in the background. The scoreboard shows a tied score of 57-57 and 9:56 left in the second half.\" width=\"800\" height=\"572\" class=\"size-large wp-image-831758\"  \/>\u00a9 Bob Donnan, Basketball Finalist | World Sports Photography Awards 2026 <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/07-Cricket-DAVID_Gray-973-company_logo_image-00000312-800x534.jpg\" alt=\"An Australian cricketer in a yellow uniform dives horizontally to catch the ball, while a South African batsman in a green uniform stands at the crease. An umpire watches in the background.\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" class=\"size-large wp-image-831755\"  \/>\u00a9 David Gray, Cricket Finalist | World Sports Photography Awards 2026 <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/17-Other-Nadezhda_Javadova-14913-company_logo_image-00000881-800x414.jpg\" alt=\"Two fencers in protective gear lunge towards each other, crossing swords mid-air on a fencing strip. Both are in dynamic poses, with one fencer\u2019s foot off the ground, and a scoreboard visible in the background.\" width=\"800\" height=\"414\" class=\"size-large wp-image-831734\"  \/>\u00a9 Nadezhda Javadova, Other Finalist | World Sports Photography Awards 2026<br \/>\n <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/21-Tennis-David_Balogh-3579-company_logo_image-00001045-800x534.jpg\" alt=\"A tennis player in a white shirt and blue wristbands is focused as he reaches forward to hit a green tennis ball with his red racket against a black background.\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" class=\"size-large wp-image-831727\"  \/>\u00a9 David Balogh, Tennis Finalist | World Sports Photography Awards 2026 <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/19-Rugby-Bob_Bradford-12743-company_logo_image-00000957-800x568.jpg\" alt=\"A rugby player in a colorful jersey stretches to score a try while being tackled by an opponent in a white jersey on a grassy field, with a crowd blurred in the background.\" width=\"800\" height=\"568\" class=\"size-large wp-image-831731\"  \/>\u00a9 Bob Bradford, Rugby Finalist | World Sports Photography Awards 2026 <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/20-Swimming__Diving-Kerstin_Kuntze-6467-company_logo_image-00001004-800x530.jpg\" alt=\"A swimmer captured underwater in black and white, arms outstretched and surrounded by a cloud of bubbles, moving gracefully through dark water beneath a rippling surface.\" width=\"800\" height=\"530\" class=\"size-large wp-image-831720\"  \/>\u00a9 Kerstin Kuntze, Swimming &amp; Diving Finalist | World Sports Photography Awards 2026 <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/23-Venues__Views-Michael_Zarrilli-2992-company_logo_image-00001146-800x536.jpg\" alt=\"A night view of a brightly lit baseball stadium with a firework shooting up from the field and a large crowd in the stands. The scoreboard and city lights are visible in the background.\" width=\"800\" height=\"536\" class=\"size-large wp-image-831723\"  \/>\u00a9 Michael Zarrilli, Venues &amp; Views Finalist | World Sports Photography Awards 2026 <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/22-Urban__Extreme-Martin_Bissig-11890-company_logo_image-00001121-800x534.jpg\" alt=\"A skateboarder rides along the steep steps of an ancient stepwell with geometric patterns and weathered stone walls, casting dramatic shadows in the sunlight.\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" class=\"size-large wp-image-831725\"  \/>\u00a9 Martin Bissig, Extreme Finalist | World Sports Photography Awards 2026 <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/18-Racquet_Sports-Abelardo_Mendes_Jr-24415-company_logo_image-00000938-800x534.jpg\" alt=\"A table tennis player intensely focuses as a ping pong ball appears to hover directly in front of her eye. She holds a paddle, ready to hit, with a look of concentration on her face.\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" class=\"size-large wp-image-831733\"  \/>\u00a9 Abelardo Mendes Jr., Racquet Sports Finalist | World Sports Photography Awards 2026 <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/14-Ice_Hockey-Vitor_Munhoz-19293-company_logo_image-00000715-640x800.jpg\" alt=\"Aerial view of a hockey player in a red and blue uniform taking a shot on goal as an opposing goalie in orange and white gear prepares to block the puck on an ice rink.\" width=\"640\" height=\"800\" class=\"size-large wp-image-831740\"  \/>\u00a9 Vitor Munhoz, Ice Hockey Finalist | World Sports Photography Awards 2026<br \/>\n <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/13-Gymnastics-Pierre-Guy_GRUBER-3686-company_logo_image-00000642-534x800.jpg\" alt=\"A gymnast in a blue leotard is seen mid-air, reaching upward between two uneven bars, with chalk on her hands and a focused expression, against a dark background with colorful lights above.\" width=\"534\" height=\"800\" class=\"size-large wp-image-831742\"  \/>\u00a9 Pierre Guy Gruber, Gymnastics Finalist | World Sports Photography Awards 2026 <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/11-Formula_1-Ryan_Chiong-12519-company_logo_image-00000551-800x534.jpg\" alt=\"A Formula 1 car speeds along a brightly lit night track, with motion blur emphasizing its fast movement and trailing lights in the background.\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" class=\"size-large wp-image-831746\"  \/>\u00a9 Ryan Chiong, Formula 1 Finalist | World Sports Photography Awards 2026 <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/06-Boxing-Richard_Pelham-7576-company_logo_image-00000274-800x521.jpg\" alt=\"A female boxer with braided hair and tattoos, wearing white gloves and a black sports bra, is bleeding heavily from her face during a match. She looks to the side with her mouth open and one arm raised.\" width=\"800\" height=\"521\" class=\"size-large wp-image-831756\"  \/>\u00a9 Richard Pelham, Boxing Finalist | World Sports Photography Awards 2026 <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/09-Equestrian-CARLOS_CALO-13064-company_logo_image-00000427-646x800.jpg\" alt=\"Jockeys riding muddy horses race on a wet, dirt track. The leading jockey in blue raises a whip while another closely follows, with mud flying from the horses\u2019 hooves. Other racers trail behind in the background.\" width=\"646\" height=\"800\" class=\"size-large wp-image-831751\"  \/>\u00a9 Carlos Calo, Equestrian Finalist | World Sports Photography Awards 2026 <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/10-Football-David_Klein-4484-company_logo_image-00000468-800x528.jpg\" alt=\"A soccer player in a red uniform jumps to control the ball mid-air, while a player in blue approaches. The field is covered in heavy fog, with stadium lights glowing in the background.\" width=\"800\" height=\"528\" class=\"size-large wp-image-831749\"  \/>\u00a9 David Klein, Football Finalist | World Sports Photography Awards 2026 <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/12-Golf-David_Cannon-9692-company_logo_image-00000605-800x572.jpg\" alt=\"A golfer in a red shirt and white cap hits a shot from a sand bunker, sending sand and a golf ball into the air against a dark background.\" width=\"800\" height=\"572\" class=\"size-large wp-image-831745\"  \/>\u00a9 David Cannon, Golf Finalist | World Sports Photography Awards 2026 <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/15-Martial_Arts-David_Fogarty-8505-company_logo_image-00000745-582x800.jpg\" alt=\"A boxer with tattoos gets punched in the face, sweat and possibly blood flying from his nose, during an intense boxing match under dramatic lighting.\" width=\"582\" height=\"800\" class=\"size-large wp-image-831739\"  \/>\u00a9 David Fogarty, Martial Arts Finalist | World Sports Photography Awards 2026<br \/>\n <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/16-Motor_Sports-Taneli_Niinimki-21632-company_logo_image-00000832-800x534.jpg\" alt=\"A rally car speeds through a forest dirt road, tilted on two wheels with dust trailing behind. Tall pine trees line both sides of the track, and a Finnish flag is visible on the right.\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" class=\"size-large wp-image-831736\"  \/>\u00a9 Taneli Niinimki, Motor Sports Finalist | World Sports Photography Awards 2026 <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/21-Tennis-Andy_Cheung-8865-company_logo_image-00001051-800x534.jpg\" alt=\"A female tennis player in a blue outfit hits a backhand shot on a clay court, her shadow and the tennis ball visible on the orange surface.\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" class=\"size-large wp-image-831728\"  \/>\u00a9 Andy Cheung, Tennis Finalist | World Sports Photography Awards 2026 <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/24-Winter_Sports-Yhabril_Moro-22182-company_logo_image-00001234-800x534.jpg\" alt=\"A skier in bright gear carves through snow at night, illuminated by headlamps and city lights in the blurred background, creating a dynamic and energetic scene.\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" class=\"size-large wp-image-831721\"  \/>\u00a9 Yhabril Moro, Winter Sports Finalist | World Sports Photography Awards 2026 <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/23-Venues__Views-Chancellor_Marick-22910-company_logo_image-00001184-800x534.jpg\" alt=\"A large group of fans in banana costumes cheer in the stands at Boone Pickens Stadium during a nighttime sports event. The crowd is energetic and the stadium is packed.\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" class=\"size-large wp-image-831724\"  \/>\u00a9 Chancellor Marick, Venues &amp; Views Finalist | World Sports Photography Awards 2026 <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/18-Racquet_Sports-zhangjiu_gao-558-company_logo_image-00000907-800x534.jpg\" alt=\"Two badminton players on a green court touch their racquets at the net, one in a white outfit and the other in blue, as seen from an overhead perspective.\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" class=\"size-large wp-image-831732\"  \/>\u00a9 Zhangjiu Gao, Racquet Sports Finalist | World Sports Photography Awards 2026 <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/09-Equestrian-Mohammed_Habib_-16341-company_logo_image-00000434-672x800.jpg\" alt=\"A polo player in an orange shirt leans dramatically off his horse while swinging his mallet toward a ball on the sandy ground during an intense match.\" width=\"672\" height=\"800\" class=\"size-large wp-image-831750\"  \/>\u00a9 Mohammed Habib, Equestrian Finalist | World Sports Photography Awards 2026 <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/15-Martial_Arts-Ryan_Pierse-17963-company_logo_image-00000759-800x510.jpg\" alt=\"Two sumo wrestlers compete in a match, one pushing the other's face with an outstretched hand. Both wear traditional mawashi belts, and the background is dark, focusing attention on the wrestlers\u2019 intense struggle.\" width=\"800\" height=\"510\" class=\"size-large wp-image-831738\"  \/>\u00a9 Ryan Pierse, Martial Arts Finalist | World Sports Photography Awards 2026<br \/>\n <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/14-Ice_Hockey-Sydney_Ciardi-13048-company_logo_image-00000699-501x800.jpg\" alt=\"Overhead view of two ice hockey teams wearing dark and white uniforms practicing on the rink, with many players skating and handling pucks before a game. The arena logo is visible at center ice.\" width=\"501\" height=\"800\" class=\"size-large wp-image-831741\"  \/>\u00a9 Syndey Ciardi, Ice Hockey Finalist | World Sports Photography Awards 2026 <\/p>\n<p>Beyond the 50 photos above, there are many similarly stellar finalists with excellent chances to win the ultimate prize. The complete <a href=\"https:\/\/www.worldsportsphotographyawards.com\/winners-and-shortlists-per-year\/finalists-2026\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"follow external noopener nofollow\">gallery of all finalists<\/a> for the World Sports Photography Awards 2026 is available on the competition\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.worldsportsphotographyawards.com\/winners-and-shortlists-per-year\/finalists-2026\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"follow external noopener nofollow\">website<\/a>. To see last year\u2019s stellar winners, <a href=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/2025\/01\/09\/viral-olympic-surf-shot-tops-world-sports-photography-awards\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">check out PetaPixel\u2018s coverage<\/a>, including J\u00e9r\u00f4me Brouillet\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/2024\/07\/30\/unbelievable-photo-of-olympic-surfers-floating-celebration-goes-viral\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">viral surf shot<\/a> from the 2024 Olympics that took top honors. <\/p>\n<p>PetaPixel will share news of the World Sports Photography Awards 2026 winners as soon as they are announced. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Image credits:<\/strong> World Sports Photography Awards. Individual photographers are credited in the captions.  <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Around 4,100 photographers from 123 different countries entered over 23,000 photos into the World Sports Photography Awards 2026&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":455969,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[32],"tags":[648,1032,208818,4315,16289,1033,171,185734,91018,49756,62,10372,67,132,68,208819,208820],"class_list":{"0":"post-455968","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-arts-and-design","8":"tag-arts","9":"tag-arts-and-design","10":"tag-canonworldsportsphotographyawards","11":"tag-competition","12":"tag-contest","13":"tag-design","14":"tag-entertainment","15":"tag-finalists","16":"tag-photocontest","17":"tag-showcase","18":"tag-sports","19":"tag-spotlight","20":"tag-united-states","21":"tag-unitedstates","22":"tag-us","23":"tag-worldsportsphotographyawards","24":"tag-worldsportsphotographyawards2026"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@us\/115741705501775758","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/455968","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=455968"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/455968\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/455969"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=455968"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=455968"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=455968"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}