Moscow: The 12th edition of the Andrei Stenin International Press Photo Contest has officially opened in Moscow, commemorating the legacy of Andrei Stenin, a photojournalist from the Rossiya Segodnya Media Group who tragically lost his life near Donetsk in 2014. Initiated on Stenin’s birthday, December 22, the contest aims to discover new photographic talent and provide a platform for both emerging and established photojournalists.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dmitry Kiselev, Director General of the Rossiya Segodnya International Media Group, expressed enthusiasm about this year’s contest, highlighting the introduction of a new category, “Energy of Life,” which is specifically designed for photojournalists aged 34 and over. This expansion is part of the ongoing mission to foster new talent while also appreciating the contributions of seasoned professionals who continue to set high standards in the field.
The contest features six categories: Top News, Sports, My Planet, Portrait. A Hero of Our Time, Top View, and the newly introduced Energy of Life. While most categories are open to participants aged 18 to 33, the Energy of Life category welcomes submissions from older photographers. Participants can submit their entries via the contest’s official website, available in both Russian and English, until February 28, 2026.
Monetary awards for the competition range from 75,000 to 125,000 rubles for first to third place winners in each category, with the prestigious Grand Prix winner receiving 700,000 rubles. The awards ceremony is slated to occur in Moscow between September and November 2026.
The contest has a history of featuring a diverse jury comprising renowned international photographers such as Vladimir Vyatkin from Russia and Gabriele Cecconi from Italy. Past laureates include Yelena Anosova from Russia and Danilo Garca Di Meo from Italy, who have been recognized for impactful photo series on pressing social issues.
In 2025, Yekaterina Yakel from Russia won the Grand Prix for her series “Russian Character: Obstacle Course,” which depicted the resilience of war veterans. This year’s competition will continue to showcase the winning works through exhibitions both in Russia and internationally, reaching audiences in various countries including China, South Africa, and Mexico.
Organized under the auspices of the Russian Federation Commission for UNESCO, the contest is designed to support young photographers and highlight contemporary photojournalism challenges. With a robust network of media partners worldwide, the Andrei Stenin International Press Photo Contest remains a significant event in the global photography community.