The organizers of the Underwater Awards Australasia 2025 have officially revealed the winners of the 2nd edition of their prestigious underwater imaging contest, centered on the Australasian region. The announcement took place on September 6, live from the Go Diving Show ANZ, in Sydney, Australia.
Nine categories for participants from around the world
The jury, composed of renowned personalities – Tobias Friedrich, Jayne Jenkins, Matty Smith, Tanya Houppermans, Scott Portelli, William Tan for photography, Philip Hamilton and Ross Long for video – evaluated several hundred entries, recognizing excellence in each category.
The grand winner: a sea leopard with a gaping mouth
The prestigious title of “Best of Show” goes to James Ferrara, whose striking image of a sea leopard with an open mouth stood out in the “International Waters” category. This powerful image embodies both the strength and vulnerability of the marine world, a rare moment that captivated the jury.
All 2025 winners of the Underwater Awards Australasia
Here are the other category winners for this edition:
– Vadim Belakhov (Sharks)
– Neil Vincent (Conservation)
– Talia Greis (Sydney)
– Marcia Riederer (Australian)
– Jake Wilton (Portfolio)
– Luciano Morales Corinaldesi (Smartphone/Action Cam)
– Imogen Manins (Tough TG)
– Laura Gourgas (Reels Showcase)
The organizers warmly congratulate all winners, finalists, and honorable mentions, and thank all participants for their commitment and passion.
The success of the competition also depends on the involvement of jury members and the generosity of sponsors, without whom this event would not be possible. Their expertise and support help promote underwater photography and ocean conservation.
Exhibition and support for marine conservation
Prints of the award-winning and finalist works were offered for sale at the show, with the gracious permission of the photographers. Half of the proceeds will be donated to major conservation organizations: the Australian Marine Conservation Society and Take 3 For The Sea.
Dive into all the winning images and videos by exploring the official gallery on the site: https://www.underwaterawards.com