Contestants Locked for 2026 Deep Summer Photo Challenge
One wildcard spot remains as the countdown begins to one of mountain biking’s most iconic storytelling stages.
Crankworx Whistler is proud to announce the five invited finalists for the 2026 Deep Summer Photo Challenge, with one final wildcard position still up for grabs through the fan-voted Pinkbike Wildcard Contest, launching May 27th.
Returning to Whistler Olympic Plaza on Tuesday July 28th, 2026, the Deep Summer Photo Challenge will once again bring together the community to watch some of the most exciting creatives in mountain bike photography for an unforgettable night of visual storytelling, creativity, and culture.
The 2026 finalists represent a diverse mix of perspectives, styles, and backgrounds from across the mountain bike and outdoor industries. From documentary-inspired storytelling and race-driven imagery to cinematic landscape work and culture-focused photography, each finalist brings a unique creative approach to this year’s challenge.
Over the course of just 72 hours, the six photographers will capture and craft original slideshow presentations bringing to life the stories of riding in BC’s mountain bike hotspot. Their finished projects will premiere live under the stars at Whistler Olympic Plaza in front of a live audience and industry judging panel, with the winning photographer taking home the title of 2026 Deep Summer Champion and a $5,000 cash prize.
“Deep Summer has always been about more than action photography,” says Anna Gibson, Project Manager for Deep Summer and Dirt Diaries. “It’s about storytelling, perspective, and capturing the feeling behind mountain biking culture. Every year the photographers push the creative boundaries of what this event can be, and this year’s roster is no exception.”
This year, Crankworx Whistler continues its partnership with the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, offering all participating photographers the opportunity to engage with the stories, history, and cultural significance of the lands on which Crankworx takes place.
“We are honoured to continue working alongside the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre,” says Anna Gibson. “Both the Crankworx Whistler festival and the Deep Summer Photo Challenge are rooted in place, and we want to encourage storytelling that reflects a deeper connection to the territory, the community, and the culture that shapes this region.”
2026 Deep Summer Finalists
- Leon Butler
- Nikola Klarova
- Marissa Krawczak
- Mathew Wanbon
- Josh Woodward
- Pinkbike Wildcard Winner
More details and bios here.
The 6th Spot is still up for grabs via the Pinkbike Deep Summer Wildcard Contest
One final photographer will join the roster through the Pinkbike Deep Summer Wildcard Contest. Applications open May 27th on the Pinkbike website, giving emerging and established creatives one last opportunity to earn a place on the Deep Summer stage.
The Deep Summer Photo Challenge remains one of the most anticipated evenings of the Crankworx Whistler festival, transforming Whistler Olympic Plaza into an open-air celebration of mountain bike storytelling and creativity.
Crankworx Whistler returns from July 24 to August 2, 2026, bringing together elite competition, community events, racing, riding, and culture in the birthplace of Crankworx.