The eighth edition of the AIPS Sport Media Awards is entering its final countdown, with submissions pouring in from across the world. The most prestigious celebration of sports journalism features eight senior categories across all platforms, along with a dedicated Young Reporters category. Special mentions and investigative work are also considered. The Awards represent the highest honour in the sports media industry, uniting professionals from around the world. A record-breaking 2065 submissions took part in 2024, confirming the Awards’ truly global reach.
FREE ENTRY Participation is completely free, with no membership required. Journalists, videographers, and photographers worldwide are invited to submit their best work.
TWO ENTRIES PER PERSON Each participant may submit up to two entries using separate forms. These can be entered into the same or different categories. If both entries are in the same category, only one can be shortlisted for the Jury stage.
FIVE PHASES OF JUDGING Entries are reviewed by a Panel of Experts and AIPS mentors, followed by multiple selection rounds: around 30% will make the longlist; the AIPS Executive Committee will vote to narrow this to the shortlist (around 25%); the 12-person Jury will then select the Top 10 and finally the Top 3 in each category. Finalists must confirm their availability to attend the Awards Ceremony in Lausanne, Switzerland, in April 2026, where winners will be announced on the eve of the event.
ALL LANGUAGES WELCOME Submissions in any language are accepted. English translations are recommended but not mandatory.
KEY DATES Eligible works must have been first published or broadcast between 5 November 2024 and 4 November 2025. The deadline for submissions is 4 November 2025, at 22:00 Central European Time (CET). Only 5 days left to take part!
HOW TO SUBMIT All entries must be submitted through the official website www.aipsawards.com. Register and complete a separate form for each entry.
CATEGORIES Senior categories: Photography – Action Photo, Portfolio; Writing – Best Colour Piece, Best Column; Video – Short Feature Video, Athlete Profile, Documentary; Audio – Best Audio.
PRIZES Winner: USD 5,000 and trophy. Second place: USD 3,000. Third place: USD 2,000.
YOUNG REPORTERS Participants born on or after 1 January 1997 can enter one of their submissions in the Young Reporters category (Photography, Writing, or Broadcasting). Winners receive a career-boosting scholarship at a major international sports event. Outstanding entries may also be recognised through AIPS Young Reporters Programmes and other opportunities.
SPECIAL AWARDS A Life in Sport – lifetime achievement honour; Investigative Reporting – awarded by AIPS President Gianni Merlo to outstanding investigative journalism. Both include a trophy but no monetary prize.
CONTINENTAL RANKINGS AND SPECIAL MENTIONS After the Top 10 announcement in each category, continental rankings will highlight the best works regionally and nationally. Many featured journalists have later joined AIPS programmes and events. Special Mentions will once again celebrate works reflecting the core values of AIPS, such as human rights and gender equality, combating racism and discrimination, promoting clean and inclusive sports, reporting independently and freely, and raising awareness on mental health and innovation in sports media.
As a valuable member of our community of participants, with more than 5,000 journalists from 166 countries, we’d like to invite you to be part of this global celebration once again.
