A major competition is underway.
The Tribune Awards 2025/26 have launched, and with them comes a category worth setting everything aside to write a new piece for.
We are searching for the “Best New Text on the Tribune” – the author will receive 100,000 rubles. The rules are simple: publish a previously unpublished piece on the site by May 15.
**How to participate?**
It’s very straightforward:
1. Register on the platform (if you don’t have an account yet).
2. Between April 21 and May 15, publish a post on any sports topic.
3. Add the tag “Tribune Awards” so we can find you.
Anyone can take part: experienced authors, beginners, and experts alike – as long as you have an idea for an interesting piece.
**What will we give away?**
The main prize is 100,000 rubles!
By May 19, we will select the 10 best texts, after which a public vote will determine the top five finalists.
The winner will be chosen by users, experts, and finalists – together we will evaluate originality, depth, sincerity, and quality.
The final results will be announced on June 11.
**What to write about?**
If you’re still unsure about a topic, here are a few working ideas – pick one or use them as inspiration to create something of your own:
* **A story at the intersection of sports and pop culture.**
Want to argue again why the film *Goal!* is the best soccer movie ever? Or maybe we misunderstood *Space Jam*? Such topics resonate. Recently, a tactical breakdown of a soccer match from *Smeshariki* became a hit on the Tribune.
* **An interesting fact few people know about.**
It could also be at the crossroads of sports and culture, geography, or history. For example, why the German national team’s green jersey is a tribute to the Irish, who were the first to play against them after WWII. Or why the Montreal Canadiens write “LNH” instead of “NHL” on their jerseys.
* **A detail only you noticed.**
It could be an astonishing statistical fact or a tactical innovation from Pep Guardiola that will bring his team another championship. Get inspired by weekly tactical digests from authors or by a post about Nikita Kucherov’s brilliance.
* **A vivid story from your own life.**
Were you present at the most important match in your favorite team’s history? Which player’s game forever left a mark on your heart – and why? Or maybe sports have deeply influenced your entire family? This is your unique experience – no one else can write that story. You can even become a star on the Tribune with a story about an Amkar jersey!
* **Nostalgia.**
Which moment in sports history would you change? Every fan has a scar on their heart: the post in the final, a disallowed goal, an injury to a leader before a decisive game. Recall those moments: what went wrong? And what would an alternate timeline look like if you could turn back time? For inspiration, check out the incredible story about Roberto Baggio’s penalty.
And remember: these are only suggestions. We are not confining you to these examples. Your topic can be absolutely anything. Want to write a philosophical essay on the nature of sports fanaticism? Go ahead. Analyze the psychology of a goalkeeper who let in a decisive goal? Perfect. Compare the training of biathletes with the daily routines of chess players? Sounds interesting!
**Never published on the Tribune before? Don’t be shy!**
If the thought “I’ve never written before, why should I participate?” is eating at you – dismiss it. This category was created not for accolades or follower counts. Absolutely any story, any post can win.
We evaluate not the author’s resume, but the essence of the material. Its sincerity, depth, and emotional resonance. The Tribune is a place where debutants have become stars time and again. We welcome newcomers and are always ready to support them. Don’t be afraid – just write.
**Important tip:** you can publish multiple posts – don’t limit yourself to just one! Try different topics and formats. The more stories you share, the higher the chance that one of them will win.
