ERC
Sven Kollus wins ERC Photograph of the Year contest
Sven Kollus has won the ERC Photograph of the Year competition for 2025 after his image of Simon Wagner and Hanna Ostlender on Barum Czech Rally Zlín topped a public vote.
Kollus, from Germany, beat Tony Guerra and Bence Pál to the honour, while the remaining eight shortlisted photographers – all holders of permanent ERC media accreditation – received votes in recognition of their efforts. They are Mateusz Banaś, Lukáš Chum, Martin Husár, Martin Kovács, Greg Roslon, Goretti Marrero Suárez, Nico Meyer and Zbigniew Warzyński.
An ever-present at ERC events, FLAT-OUT media agency photographer Kollus said: “It is a big honour for me. I know Barum Czech Rally Zlín inside out, it is like my home rally where the international journey into my motorsport photography career started in 2009.
Tony Guerra finished second with his Rally Hungary shot
© Tony Guerra
“It was my jubilee 15th edition attending the rally and I chose this photo because I only have been shooting the tunnel/bridge section from the back in the past of the Březová stage.
“I always try to find new spots on the rallies, so in 2025 it was my first time shooting it from the front. I was lucky to do so, because it is phenomenal to see the combination of speed and precision at this section. I guess the shot shows this.
“It means a lot to me to win this competition as I always try to do the best and I see this as a confirmation that I do things right. I’m looking forward to be back with the ERC family in 2026.”
Bence Pál received the third most votes for his work
© Bence Pál
Kollus, who was last year’s runner-up, will receive a special commemorative plaque at the opening round of the 2026 ERC season. He added that he voted for Hungarian photographer Martin Kovács, who was shortlisted for his image of Callum Devine and Niall Burns on JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion.
Click HERE to see all the submissions for the third running of the ERC Photograph of the Year competition.
ERC Photograph of the Year previous winners
2024: Gábor Béres
2023: Gábor Béres
