Winning images from the CMAS Underwater Photography and Video World Cup

The 2026 CMAS Underwater Photography & Video World Cup was held this year in Madeira, Portugal, bringing together 75 photographers and videographers from Portugal, Spain, Italy, Germany, Belgium and the United States.

The contest was held concurrently with the Portuguese Underwater Photography and Video Cup, with competitors spending three days diving at sites across the island.

Hundreds of photographs and videos showcasing the best of Madeira’s marine life were taken in the Garajau Marine Reserve, the Blue Hole, Baixa da Cruz, Baixa das Moreias and Pitanga, and the wreck of the corvette Afonso Cerqueira

A total of 239 competition entries were submitted across ten categories, including underwater video, camera photography and, for the first time in an official CMAS competition, underwater photography using mobile devices.

The organisers said that the smart device innovation ‘represents a milestone in the sport’s evolution, promoting greater accessibility and bringing the competition closer to new generations of underwater photographers.’

The CMAS World Cup – and sister World Championship competition, to be held in Bali in October – are somewhat unique in the photo competition world as they take place over seven days under strict rules akin to a sporting event.

Competitors must keep their cameras and housings sealed and are only permitted to open them under the supervision of a judge. Memory cards are then submitted directly to the judges at the end of the diving day to prevent photographers artificially manipulating the images after being taken.

Competitors from te 2026 CMAS World Cup at the closing event in Madeira (Photo: CMAS)

The closing ceremony was held at the Hotel Vila Galé in Santa Cruz, recognising the best entries submitted in the various categories, which also serve as an important international showcase for Madeira scuba diving tourism.

Kerim Sabuncuoglu, President of the CMAS Visual Commission, said: ‘As President of the CMAS “World Underwater Federation” Visual Commission, I travel around the world promoting underwater photography and videography competitions that celebrate the beauty of our oceans.

‘We are delighted to be in Madeira to host two prestigious events: the 2026 CMAS World Cup of Underwater Photo and Video and the Madeira Open Championship. More than 40 competitors have gathered to showcase their skills and share the wonders hidden beneath the surface.

‘During the training dives, we have encountered an incredible variety of marine life, from magnificent groupers and colourful reef fish to tiny skeleton shrimps in the crystal-clear waters of Madeira.

‘We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the residents of Madeira, both above and below the water, for their warm welcome and hospitality on this beautiful island.’

Winners – CMAS Underwater Photography and Video World Cup

Check out the winning images from the CMAS competition below. For the complete list of winners, including the video winners and pictures from previous events, visit the competition galleries at www.cmas.org/gallery/visual/events.html