The annual World Press Photo Contest recognizes and honors the best photojournalism and documentary photography produced over the last year. Selected from 57,376 photographs submitted by 3,747 photographers in 141 countries, below are the winners of the 69th annual World Press Photo Contest.
Winners
Offering a powerful reflection of our world, the 2026 World Press Photo Contest winners illuminate the realities we face globally; marked by fracture, urgency and yet an innate resilience. They reveal the global overreach of power, the escalating climate crisis, and the human cost of conflict, while also bringing into focus stories of resistance, rebuilding, recovery, and the quiet, enduring dignity of those who persevere.
The 42 winners were selected by an independent jury based on visual excellence, storytelling approach, and commitment to diversity; celebrating local voices, dedication, and a range of styles. Please note: There is no hierarchy of winners in each category.
Judging of the 2026 World Press Photo Contest took place in January and February 2026 and involved regional juries and a global jury. The regional juries first made a selection of entries per category in their regions, after which the global jury decided on the winners. Learn more about the judging process.
“This is a critical moment — for democracy, for truth, for the question of what we as a society are willing to see and call out and what we are willing to ignore. The photographers recognized here have done their part. They have made the record. Now it is our turn to look.” - Kira Pollack, global jury chair
We thank the 2026 Ambassadors, independent industry experts and former World Press Photo Contest jury members, who were available to support first time entrants to our annual contest, with advice and recommendations.
The 2026 Contest Ambassadors were:
Andreas Trampe, Germany, co-founder Hamburg Portfolio Review
