The Icon International Photography Awards just got even more global!

We’re proud to launch a bold new initiative that unites photographers across borders and shines a spotlight on the creative excellence emerging from every corner of the world.

ICON NATIONS CUP – COUNTRY OF THE YEAR 

To be eligible for the Icon Nations Cup, your country must have at least 10 photographers, each submitting a minimum of four entries.

During the submission process, you'll be asked to select the country you represent based on where you mainly live and work. 

Once eligible, the top 10 scoring photographers from your country will have their best four images counted toward your national total. The country with the highest combined score will be crowned the Icon Nations Cup Champion. 

It’s about teamwork, consistency, and national pride.

ICON [COUNTRY] PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 

For each qualifying country, the photographer with the highest combined score from their top four images will earn the title of Icon [Country Name] Photographer of the Year, a distinction that celebrates individual creative excellence on the world stage.

So whether you're representing Sweden, Japan, the United States, or anywhere in between, rally your fellow photographers, wave your flag, and show the world what your country’s photography scene is made of. 

Let’s make history.
Let’s make your country iconic.

Awards for the Winning Country and National Photographers of the Year.

The official Icon Nations Cup perpetual trophy will be awarded to the Icon [Country] Photographer of the Year, who will act as the custodian of the trophy for one month. After that, it becomes their responsibility to pass the trophy on to the next highest-ranking photographer from their country, continuing the tradition until it returns to Icon HQ in time for the following year’s awards. 

In addition, the Photographer of the Year from each qualifying country will receive a custom Icon Nations Cup medal, honouring their personal achievement and contribution to their nation’s success on the world stage.

The Icon Nations Cup is more than just bragging rights, it's a legacy.

*The program will only proceed if at least five countries meet the eligibility criteria. If this minimum is not met, neither the Icon Nations Cup nor the individual Photographer of the Year titles will be awarded.