In 2026, the ISPO Excellence Awards step onto the world stage with renewed ambition, positioning themselves alongside the most prestigious global accolades. Completely revamped, the programme not only celebrates excellence in the sporting goods and outdoor industry, but also the ideas and innovations shaping its future.
The awards spotlight the very best across sport, outdoor and winter sports - spanning products, services, experiences, and ideas. From cutting-edge innovation to bold storytelling, next-generation retail concepts, and standout marketing campaigns, the expanded 2026 programme sets a new benchmark for what it means to lead in the industry.
A global stage for industry leaders
The ISPO Excellence Awards are more than a competition, they are a global celebration of innovation, creativity, and impact.
Bringing together brands, creators, and retailers from across the world, the awards spotlight those redefining the future of sport and outdoor. Recognition here goes beyond winning, it signals both cultural influence and commercial excellence on a global scale.
Winners will be honoured at a flagship awards ceremony at ISPO 2026 in Amsterdam, where the global sport and outdoor community will gather to celebrate those pushing boundaries.
What’s new for 2026
The ISPO Excellence Awards have been completely revamped, with a renewed focus on integrity, transparency, and truly celebrating achievement across the industry.
Key updates include:
- A strengthened commitment to independent, conflict-free judging
- New Service and B2B categories, expanding beyond traditional product recognition
- Product and category structures that are fully representative of the ISPO ecosystem
- A refreshed approach that reinforces credibility and celebrates meaningful innovation
- Open participation for all brands, with preferential entry rates available for ISPO exhibitors
Why the ISPO Excellence Awards matter
Entering the ISPO Excellence Awards is more than an opportunity, it’s a strategic move for brands looking to elevate their visibility and credibility.
Genuinely independent judging
With over 120 conflict-free judges, including athletes, buyers, influencers, and industry experts, entries are assessed with true impartiality.
Global exposure
ISPO platforms reach audiences in 120+ countries, ensuring products and ideas are seen by key decision-makers across retail and media.
Recognition that travels
Every winner, from Commended to Grand Prix, receives a digital ISPO badge, ideal for packaging, retail, and marketing communications.
Immediate visibility
Entries are showcased from day one, offering exposure even before winners are announced, with additional editorial and social amplification for top performers.
How entries are judged
Entries across all product categories are evaluated against five core criteria, ensuring a fair, consistent, and rigorous assessment process:
Innovation
Has the product introduced something new? Novelty alone is not enough, the innovation must deliver a clear, demonstrable benefit to the user. This can range from incremental improvements to a complete rethink of how a product works.
Design
Does the design solve a real problem? Judges consider both aesthetics and user experience, how the product looks, feels, and functions in the hands of the user.
Functionality
Does the product perform as promised? Assessment is based on the product’s intended use and price point, ensuring fair comparison within its category and segment.
Eco-responsibility
How sustainable is the product in practice? This includes materials sourcing, manufacturing processes, repairability, and end-of-life considerations, judged on evidence, not marketing claims.
Quality
Does the product stand up to its intended use? Judges evaluate construction, materials, and finish to determine durability and overall build quality.
Recognition tiers
The ISPO Excellence Awards recognise achievement at multiple levels for each category:
- Grand Prix
- Gold
- Silver
- Bronze
- Finalist
- Commended
Each tier represents a mark of excellence, helping brands showcase their achievements across global markets.
Award categories: Covering the full spectrum of sport
The 2026 programme features a broad and inclusive category structure reflecting the full industry landscape, including both product and newly introduced service/B2B categories.
Key product categories include:
- Running / Trail Running – footwear, apparel, wearables, recovery tools and accessories
- Hiking / Climbing – technical apparel, climbing gear, navigation tools, safety equipment
- Camping / Outdoor – tents, furniture, cooking gear, portable power and accessories
- Bike – bikes (including e-bikes), apparel, accessories and components
- Racket Sports – tennis, padel, squash equipment and apparel
- Snow & Ski – skis, snowboards, apparel and safety gear
- Water Sports – swimwear, wetsuits, paddleboards and safety equipment
- Team Sports – football, rugby, cricket and more
- Fitness & Wellness – equipment, wearables, recovery tools and nutrition
These categories ensure innovation is recognised across every corner of the active lifestyle ecosystem, from elite performance to everyday wellbeing, as well as across services and business solutions.
How to enter
Entries for the ISPO Excellence Awards 2026 open on 30th June.
Brands and innovators are invited to step forward, showcase their work, and gain world-class recognition. The programme is open to all, with preferential rates available for ISPO exhibitors.