We started by asking the World Sports Photography Awards team about the selection process and what criteria were considered in choosing the winners. “We have more than 7000 images submitted each year so we work with some professional editors to help create a shortlist. All the images are anonymized so there’s no bias. This shortlist is passed to the judges in each sporting category. We try to be reasonably relaxed with our criteria for judges. They are all hugely experienced sports industry professionals well used to reviewing amazing sports images on a regular basis. We ask them to tell us which of our thousands of submitted images move, delight, and surprise them. Which images stand out and make them look again? Which images do they immediately want to talk about? They all take the process incredibly seriously, reviewing their selected images again and again. Frequently they enjoy the process so much that they ask if they can review additional categories. Multiple judges consider each category and if the outcome is too close to call we ask other judges to get involved to help make the decision,” shared World Sports Photography Awards team member Katie.

Sports photography is incredibly competitive, therefore, we asked the World Sports Photography Awards team to highlight some key factors that set the winning images apart from the numerous submissions. Katie wrote: “The images that win are first and foremost technically very good photographs. But the winners have something special about them. They reveal a truth; provoke awe or laughter; make you ask 'how' of both photographer and athlete. Often the winning images contain something quite subtle or hidden that isn’t obvious on first glance and the more you look the more compelling it becomes. There’s 'the how did we get here?' And the 'what happens next?' All are captured at the moment. The best sports photography tells us something that transcends the moment, that tells a story about the athletes but also about ourselves.”

There is an impressive diversity of sports showcased, 24 categories, to be exact. The World Sports Photography Awards team shared how they balance a representation of different sports, ensuring that each winner's achievement is celebrated on a global scale.“We have 24 sporting categories from Football to Urban & Extreme via Cycling and Golf and more than 40 sports represented. We took the decision at the launch of the awards that diversity and inclusion needed to take their place because they were part of the best images rather than because we had created categories just to acknowledge them. That we would do them a disservice if we tried to force or manipulate their representation. Given that breadth of sport and the fact that our entries come from 75 different countries, we are inherently global and broad and delighted that our winning images reflect that.”

Technology is in constant rapid evolution, which has a direct impact on photography. Because of that, we wanted to know how this year's winners demonstrate a mastery of both traditional techniques and innovative approaches. “Sports photography by its nature requires you to be 'there' in the moment. Authenticity is everything and hard to replicate. What’s particularly interesting about several of this year’s winning images is that there’s physical creativity to the act of photography too. Anticipating the right place and right time and then making sure you are in the place to capture the moment. In that sense, it’s a bit like the sport itself. I’m sure we’ll see ongoing improvement in camera equipment and production but it’s going to be difficult for technology to replace the instinct and artistry of the best photographers,” replied World Sports Photography Awards team member Katie.

We also asked the World Sports Photography Awards team to shed light on how the winning images contribute to the broader narrative of sports, transcending cultural and linguistic boundaries. “I think there’s a deeper truth in the idea of the 'moment' and sports photography. That moment isn’t in a vacuum, it’s a culmination of a lifetime's journey for the athlete and that journey is contained in the picture. But just as important is the potential in that moment. 'What happens next?' The video reveals that to us, sports photography is closer to art in the sense that it makes us wonder (in both senses of the word). Sport is a universal language and great sports photography adds to all of our understanding of that language,” wrote Katie.

Katie added: ”Please follow the winning photographers on their social accounts and tell them how much you appreciate their work!”

As for learning about the contest from the photographer's point of view, we got in touch with Patrick, whose image “Sky Drive” is the overall winner of this year’s competition.

We asked him to share with us the story behind this captivating photograph and how he managed to capture such a dynamic moment.“This photograph was shot on the driving range as Team Captain Lee Westwood of Majesticks GC warmed up before the semifinals of the LIV Golf Invitational - Miami. As I walked up and down the range, I was using a Canon R3 camera and 24-70mm working silently with the mirrorless camera to be as discrete as possible. Using a mirrorless camera allows the photographers from our team to get more intimate imagery, especially in the world of golf, in a way that doesn't distract the athletes. I gravitated toward Westwood because of his entire white kit and wanted to try and capture nearby airplanes making their approach. I thought if I could combine a swing and plane it would make for an interesting rectangle. However, the clouds kept getting more dramatic, and my pupils were engaged. With images like this, you're continually changing your angle and perspective and trying to be patient for everything to line up as you see it in your head – all within a tight time constraint of course. For me, it was the last element that gave the image the compelling pop to draw viewers in. The bottom portion of the image was simply the team's place card, so they knew their exact spot on the range. The way the light hit it made for a floating-type, majestic image that makes viewers stop, pause and ask questions. I know in the fast-paced world we live in, a picture that can not only evoke an emotion, but make someone freeze, is always a showstopper. These are often my favorite type of images to shoot,” shared Patrick.

“Sky Drive” not only captures the essence of the athlete's performance but also features a visually stunning background. We asked Patrick to discuss the importance of timing and composition to enhance the impact of sports photographs.“During moments like this, you're continually changing your angle and perspective. The slightest movement to the right or left can totally change the perspective. Also, since nothing can be staged or set up, the moment can be over in a split second, so you must work fast. I love that challenge and often feel the more pressure to deliver, the better. I often look for a background that is clean and then let the action unfold there. Far too often, I'll see very unique action images with very distracting backgrounds.”

Winning the World Sports Photography Awards is a remarkable achievement. We asked Patrick to share his advice to aspiring sports photographers who aim to capture similarly awe-inspiring moments. He wrote: “Candidly, I always say if I am having fun, my pictures will reflect that. I usually am smiling when I am searching for a picture with a wide-angle lens, showing viewers something beyond the field. I wouldn't say it's easy to be on the sidelines with a large telephoto lens, but as a seasoned veteran, I often can find myself looking beyond the on-pitch action. What separates a good and great photographer is the ability to 'find' a picture rather than 'react' with big lens. So, my advice is find what makes you tick and what makes you happy. In my case, it's working close and wide with good light.”

As a sports photographer, Patrick likely has had many memorable experiences. We asked him to share a behind-the-scenes story from his career that was particularly challenging or rewarding, and how it influenced his growth as a photographer.

“I have so many memorable stories from my career that it’s difficult to choose just one. Whether I am covering a day-to-day assignment in my home city or a major sporting event somewhere else in the world, I feel constantly stimulated, challenged in the work that I do. Because most events are multi-day events, we as photographers always say, some days you're the hero and some days you're the villain. Meaning, one day you can make the best picture in the world and the very next day, you can be in the wrong place at the wrong time and capture nothing. Because of this, most of my rewarding experiences come down to working in a team environment. Having teammates that lift your spirits, people that you can rely on and you can work seamlessly together, makes this career not just a job, but a way of life,” shared Patrick.

And lastly, as Katie wrote, don't forget to follow photographers, and especially Patrick, on social media, like Instagram and Facebook.