The Illume Awards 2026

The Illume Awards is the new, independent continuation of what was Red Bull Illume — a long-running, high-profile competition focused on adventure and action sports photography. The 2026 edition is the first under the new branding, with an expanded environmental focus and partnerships with Leave No Trace and World Bicycle Relief.

There are sixteen categories total: eight sports — Adventure, Aerial, Bike, Climb, Skate, Snow, Surf, Trail — and eight themes — Close-Up, Emerging, Innovation, Lifestyle, Masterpiece, Playground, RAW, Spirit. Photographers can submit images to multiple categories. Sixty international judges review submissions.

160 finalists are featured in the physical Illume Photobook and may be selected for the Illume Exhibit Tour, which travels internationally. Prizes from media partners include Leica cameras and Angelbird storage gear. The overall winner is announced at a global awards ceremony in December 2026.

Submission is via the contest's website and is free. The competition is open globally to all levels, from amateur to professional. Since the first edition in 2006, the contest has received nearly 250,000 submissions. The deadline is July 31, 2026; semifinals and finalists are announced in fall 2026.