Competition Winners

Winning Photographer Francesco Gioia

“Cloud of Smoke” - Holborn, London, UK 2020
© Francesco Gioia

Second Prize Alain Schroeder

"Kok Boru - the Dead Goat Polo”- Uzgen, Kyrgyzstan⁠
In the village of Uzgen, Kyrgyzstan, more than 170 horses (on this picture) and men wearing the classic Soviet tank hat or the Kyrgyz tebetei hat, push and shove each other with dexterity ad endurance in fearless combat as they fight for possession of a headless goat carcass.

Trying to outrun your opponents with a headless goat wedged between your leg and your horse might not be your idea of a fun game but in Kyrgyzstan, Kok Boru is the national sport. The origins of this legendary game lie somewhere between nomads hunting or defending their livestock against predatory wolves, to men and horses honing their fighting skills. “Dead Goat Polo”, as some refer to, looks more like cavalier rugby. Generally divided into two teams of four (and hundreds or more in a freestyle variant called Alaman-Ulak), fearless men on horseback race from one end of the field to the other chasing the rider with possession trying to prevent him from scoring a point by heaving the 20-kilo body into the tai kazan (goal) at either end. Only stallions are used in this game because they are naturally anti-social and eager to fight off rivals. The players train their horses to muscle out other horses while they themselves wrestle each other to snatch the goat and gallop toward the goal, slamming into the rubber tires that encircle the meter-high mound.

Most villages throughout the country have a playing field, some have official stadiums. Professional teams play tournaments which culminate in the national championships that take place during the festivities surrounding Nowruz on March 21st when the Kyrgyz nation celebrates the beginning of spring. The game is also showcased during Independence Day celebrations on August 31st. This year (2020), the unprecedented coronavirus pandemic has halted large public gatherings but unofficial games continue to be organized in many villages. Players share the price of the goat or wealthier citizens sponsor games with prizes to celebrate life events, inspire good fortune or simply for fun, and the winning team always takes home the goat for a post-game feast. © Alain Schroeder

Third Prize Tommaso Vecchi

⁠“Stop the time” - Phugtal Monastery, Northern India
Phugtal Monastery or Phugtal Gompa is a Buddhist monastery located in the remote Lungnak Valley in south-eastern Zanskar, in the Himalayan region of Ladakh, in Northern India. It is one of the only Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh that can still be reached only by foot. © Tommaso Vecchi

Finalist Ebti Nabag

“Girl in Red Dress 4” - Uganda
Nawal, 8 at the time; is a south Sudanese girl living in Uganda with her family. She is the eldest of 3 children and takes on the responsibility of looking after her sister especially when outside. © Ebti Nabag

Finalist Johan Gerrits

“Women with firewood” - Thar Desert, Gujarat, India
Women with firewood crossing the Great Rann of Kutch part of the Thar Desert in Gujarat, India
© Johan Gerrits

Finalist Felice Douglas

“Dry Tears”- USA
© Felice Douglas

Finalist Javier Vergara

“Chile Resists” - Santiago, Chile 2020
Demonstrators protect themselves with a shield from water cannon used by the Special Police Forces during protests in Chile. November 11th, 2020, Santiago, Chile
© Javier Vergara

Finalist Neeraj Sharma

“Mothergoddess River of Aspiration 02” © Neeraj Sharma

Finalist Robert Blomfield

“Student Union” - Edinburgh University, Scotland, 1961
Coffee morning at the Student Union, Teviot Row House, Edinburgh, 1961
© Robert Blomfield

Finalist Selene Magnolia

“Zor 1” - Stolipinovo, Bulgaria 2020
After an engagement party on the day before, a young bride to be is being prepared for her wedding. Weddings and life event celebrations take place on the streets of the ghetto, and are shared within the community. © Selene Magnolia