In addition to the results and prizes, five prestigious titles will be awarded by the judges, some of which trace their origins back to the original 1965 Brighton Festival. Three of these titles are open to eligible photographers from every country:

Underwater Photographer of the Year 2025 is the top award of the UPY competition, and will go to the photographer whose single image is the best in the show (so therefore is likely to also be one of the category winners). All entrants are automatically considered for this award.

Up & Coming Underwater Photographer of the Year 2025 will be awarded to the overall winner of the Up & Coming Worldwide category.

'Save Our Seas Foundation' Marine Conservation Photographer of the Year 2025 will be awarded to the winning image in this category (which is free to enter). Open to both underwater and above water images.

Two additions for the 2025 iteration of the contest include a new category dedicated to coral reefs, with photographers invited to submit any style of underwater photography as long as it is linked to coral reefs. This year also sees PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) join the competition as a sponsor of the highly prized Up & Coming category which celebrates new talent. PADI’s Dave Murray said, ‘As the world’s largest purpose-driven diving organisation, PADI is committed to making the underwater world accessible for all and creating positive ocean change.