What are the key dates for the 2026 ESA Awards in partnership with Pearlfinders?
2026 ESA Awards launch: Tuesday 29 July 2025
Deadline for judge applications: midnight (23:59 BST) on Friday 5 September 2025
Judges announced: Thursday 25 September 2025
Early bird entry deadline: midnight (23:59 BST) on Friday 26 September 2025
Entry deadline: midnight (23:59 BST) on Friday 17 October 2025
Shortlist announced: 12:00 GMT / 13:00 CET on Thursday 11 December 2025
Early bird ceremony ticket deadline: midnight (23:59 GMT) on 9 January 2026
Winners announced at ESA Awards ceremony: 12 March 2026
Why should I enter the ESA Awards?
The ESA Awards is the pinnacle of European sponsorship recognition, and winning one puts you in elite company. 2025 winners include Accor, Aer Lingus, Bupa, Cathay Pacific, FedEx, Gjensidige, Just Eat, Komatsu, Sanofi, Sky, Smirnoff, TeamViewer, Toyota, Unilever and Vattenfall to name a few.
While there are many awards focused on the disciplines of sports marketing and sponsorship in specific countries, the ESA Awards has the broadest geographical scope and the widest focus across all parts of the European sponsorship space, from arts and culture to esports and gaming, and everything in between.
By entering the ESA Awards you will gain visibility across ESA’s digital platforms, bulletins and widely-followed social channels. You also demonstrate a commitment to the sponsorship community, allowing you to be seen as an active and innovative member and showcase your work undertaken in the last 18 months.
How do I know which category/s to enter?
There are 18 main ESA Awards categories – if you are unsure of which categories work best for your sponsorship or campaign, feel free to contact us.
What counts as European?
All entries submitted must reflect sponsorship activity based within at least one European market. However, given the global and predominately digital nature of some entries, please reach out to ESA or consult the ESA Awards rules of entry for further clarification.
English is not my first language, am I at a disadvantage?
No. While entries must be submitted in English, ESA’s judging panel accommodates all those whose first language is not English. ESA receives entries from across Europe and sponsorship professionals from all nations are encouraged to take part.
How much does it cost to enter the ESA Awards?
Anyone may enter the ESA Awards and early birds and ESA members benefit from discounted entry. Depending on your level of ESA membership, you may also be entitled to enter some campaigns free of charge. Prices start at £125 (ex VAT) per entry for early bird members and the more you enter, the cheaper it is per entry. Download the entry fees table HERE.
What format will the 2026 entries take?
2026 applicants have a choice of entry format:
– a 250-word ‘elevator pitch’
– AND a pre-recorded 10-minute video presentation OR a 2,000-word written submission.
All entries will be judged by a panel of experts announced by ESA in September 2025.
Read more about our ESA Awards
– 2026 ESA Awards launched
– Four secrets to winning an ESA award
– Unveiling the exclusivity of ESA Awards
Will the judging process continue to be as rigorous as in previous years?
Yes. While entering remains easier than ever, the judging process is designed to ensure that the quality of submissions isn’t compromised. Entries will be judged according to strict criteria via a multi-step process involving dozens of senior industry leaders from across Europe and the globe, and a blind scoring process.
How do I become an ESA Awards judge?
ESA encourages all senior industry professionals and leading marketers to apply to the ESA Awards judging panel. We want to gather a group of diverse, representative, knowledgeable sponsorship practitioners to judge our Awards. Becoming an ESA Awards judge is a stimulating and rewarding experience which demonstrates your standing in the industry and allows you to take an inside look at some of the continent’s biggest sponsorship campaigns.
Find more information and submit your 2026 ESA Awards judge application HERE.
The deadline for judge applications is midnight (23:59 BST) on Friday 5 September 2025.
Will the ESA Fellowship be part of the ESA Awards ceremony?
Yes, the ESA Fellowship was introduced in 2023 and ESA Fellows are inducted each year at our ESA Awards ceremony. Nominations are always open. Please nominate for 2026 by 31 December 2025.
Why must I pay UK VAT on my ceremony ticket/ table if I am not resident in the UK?
All UK hospitality is subject to VAT: because our ESA Awards ceremony comprises dinner and services and takes place in the UK, it is a legal requirement that all attendees are charged 20% VAT. Download more about VAT HERE.
I am interested in being a partner of the 2026 ESA Awards – what should I do?
Sponsorship packages for the 2026 ESA Awards in partnership with Pearlfinders are available, please email us to start a discussion. Existing partners are credited HERE.
If you still have questions that have not been answered here, please contact us.
