About Red Bull Illume

Red Bull Illume is the world’s greatest adventure and action sports imagery contest. It showcases the most creative and captivating images on the planet, while illuminating the passion, lifestyle and culture behind the photographers that shoot them.

Photographer as artist, that’s the thinking for Red Bull Illume. As these incredible adventure and action sports athletes earned their place on the world’s stage, so should the people who tell their stories – the photographers who go to the most extreme lengths possible to create images that grab your eye and capture your imagination.

The Image Quest 2021

The Image Quest 2021 is the sixth edition bringing together the amazing work of photographers and content creators from around the world. Submissions for the contest have taken place from March 01 to August 01, 2021 and could be entered on redbullillume.com

A judging panel of 53 photo editors and industry experts selected the finalists, category winners and 1 overall winner, which were announced during the Unveiling Week from November 29 until December 4, 2021, on Instagram Live bringing the experience for the first time to fans all over the world.

This year the total value of prizes on offer to winners is more than €200,000. But the real prize is priceless –that’s the exposure and prestige associated with being a Red Bull Illume!

Meet

Will Saunders

Nationality:
United States

Participation:
2021

Will Saunders crowned overall winner

In total, 47,447 images were submitted by thousands of photographers from countries all around the world. For his breathtaking image of a climber falling from a rock tower in Indian Creek, UT, USA, Will Saunders has won the Red Bull Illume Image Quest 2021. Saunders was handed the overall winner trophy by former Red Bull Illume Overall Winner Chris Burkard at a ceremony in Aspen, Snowmass, CO, USA.

"I'm just super grateful, I never thought I would be here."

Red Bull Illume Exhibit Tour

With the contest officially over, Red Bull Illume now hits the road as a unique global exhibit tour, kicking off with a stop in Aspen Snowmass until January 2, 2022. It will then tour the world with planned stops across Europe.

Red Bull Illume 2021 Will Saunders — Overall winner Wil Saunders was overwhelmed when he received his trophy. © Natalie Starr

Red Bull Illume 2021 Exhibition Aspen Snowmass — The first stop of the Exhibit Tour is taking place in Aspen Snowmass until January 2, 2022. © Natalie Starr / Red Bull Content Pool