We are thrilled to announce this year the third edition of the EA Cup, a knockout photography tournament exclusively for our members. This competition continues to bring together the Exhibit Around community, offering both a competitive platform and a fantastic opportunity for networking and collaboration during the Trieste Photo Days Festival in Italy.
Exhibit Around’s competitions are designed to inspire creativity and artistic growth. The theme for 2025, “Reflections,” was proposed by Nurlan Tahirli, who placed second in last year’s tournament. Nurlan describes the theme as follows:
“Reflections is about the moments when you catch a glimpse of something familiar in a new way. For me, it’s about pausing, noticing, and finding meaning in the small, reflective moments we usually pass by. This theme is a chance to slow down, look closer, and share the beauty or meaning you find in those mirrored moments”
This theme invites participants to observe their surroundings with greater attention and to share images that offer new perspectives, whether through literal reflections or more abstract interpretations.
Taking a look back, we remember the winner of the EA Cup 2024, Stefania Giacomin, with her photograph “Telephone,” which was selected as the best of the entire competition. Stefania’s work stood out for its composition and emotional impact, earning her first place in a highly competitive field.
A remarkable 122 Exhibit Around members submitted their work in the 2024 competition, also participating in the voting throughout the tournament. The community’s enthusiasm and involvement were evident at every stage, making the EA Cup 2024 a memorable experience for everyone.
Stefania shared how the EA Cup has influenced her as a photographer, describing the experience as both rewarding and motivating. Winning the second EA Cup also allowed her to select a Top Jury Member for this year’s URBAN Photo Awards, further connecting her with the broader photography community.
The “Best Voter” Award is an important part of the EA Cup, encouraging members to actively participate in the voting process. In 2024, this recognition was awarded to Beatrice Ius for her dedication and fairness in evaluating entries. Her commitment helped ensure that the best photographs advanced in the competition and highlighted the essential role voters play in maintaining the quality and integrity of the event.
Becoming an Exhibit Around member offers numerous benefits beyond participating in the EA Cup. Our community is enriched with various events, festivals, exhibitions, workshops, collaborations, and talks. As Nurlan expresses,
“Exhibit Around for me is immersing into the “sea” of photography with numerous events and projects. It’s a year-long excitement that keeps you in anticipation of new announcements.”
As our EA Members community grows each year, the EA Cup becomes more vibrant and diverse. This annual event showcases how photographers from around the world interpret the theme and how the popular vote determines the winners.
Below is a gallery showcasing the top 4 ranked photographs from the EA Cup 2024: