DJI challenges creators with $10,000 Avata 360 video contest

Drone cinematography and action filmmaking have received an exhilarating boost. Industry leader DJI has officially announced the launch of its global #AllForPassion Challenge, calling on creators, aerial filmmakers, and FPV pilots worldwide to capture their most compelling sports and adventure moments using the DJI Avata 360, offering a top prize of $10,000.

Featuring a total prize pool of $25,000, this competition ranks among DJI's most significant creator initiatives of the year. The challenge puts the spotlight on the creative potential of full 360-degree FPV videography. While conventional drones and action cameras capture only the angle where the lens is physically aimed, 360-degree aerial recording gives filmmakers the revolutionary freedom to reframe perspective, track subjects dynamically, and dial in the perfect camera angle during post-production.

Prize pool structure and key contest timeline

The competition is open to creators worldwide and runs through September 30, 2026. A panel of judges will review all entries before announcing the official winners on October 28, 2026 across DJI social platforms and the DJI community forum.

The prize pool is divided across three tiers to celebrate multiple standout filmmakers:

Submission guidelines and entry requirements

To enter the #AllForPassion Challenge, filmmakers and drone pilots must adhere to specific participation rules:

1. Eligible content: Footage must be recorded using the DJI Avata 360 and feature sports or outdoor action, including mountain biking, skiing, surfing, climbing, motorsports, running, or extreme water activities.
2. Official watermark: Videos must incorporate the official contest watermark: "DJI AVATA 360 | ALL FOR PASSION".
3. Social media publication: Videos must be posted publicly to Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, or TikTok featuring the hashtags #allforpassion, #djiavata, and #avata360.
4. Direct submission email: Participants must email their entry link to global-creator@dji.com with platform details, URL, and date of publication.
5. Unlimited submissions: There is no limit on entries, allowing creators to submit multiple videos throughout the contest window.

Judging criteria: quality, creativity, and influence

Rather than relying purely on viral metrics or follower counts, the competition employs a balanced three-pillar evaluation framework:

• Video quality & flight precision: Image clarity, color grading, smooth flight lines, and masterful execution of 360-degree re-framing.
• Creativity & original storytelling: Inventive camera transitions, unique perspectives, and compelling interaction with natural terrain and sports subjects.
• Community engagement & reach: The video's ability to inspire audiences and foster positive engagement across the global creator ecosystem.

This approach ensures that exceptional emerging filmmakers have an equal opportunity to win alongside established content creators with massive existing audiences.

The impact of 360-degree FPV in dynamic action sports

The integration of 360-degree capture onto agile cinewhoop platforms marks a substantial evolution in action cinematography. In fast-paced environments like alpine downhill biking or high-speed track filming in our action & motorsports drone productions, subjects shift trajectory in milliseconds.

With traditional cameras, a minor flight deviation can cause the athlete to slip out of frame. With 360-degree FPV, the pilot can prioritize safe trajectory and proximity, while the video editor later crafts dynamic keyframed pans, Dutch angles, and fluid subject-tracking motions. This workflow proves equally transformative for complex indoor FPV fly-throughs and live venue showcases.

European regulations: safe FPV operations under EASA rules

For European drone operators seeking to capture dynamic sports footage, adhering to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations is essential. Across the EU, specific provisions govern FPV flight operations:

• Mandatory Visual Observer (VO): Because FPV goggles remove the pilot's direct visual line of sight (VLOS), European law requires a dedicated Visual Observer to stand beside the pilot to scan the surrounding airspace for approaching aircraft and hazards.
• Airspace checks and geographic zones: Operations near airports, nature reserves, or sensitive infrastructure require thorough pre-flight verification on the Dutch drone map or corresponding national aeronautical charts.
• Crowd safety & distance: Open Category operations (A1/A3) strictly prohibit flying directly over uninvolved people. Commercial action filming must involve organized event coordination, a standard practice upheld by our professional drone pilots when operating high-end cinema drones on film sets.

Unlocking creative horizons across European landscapes

The synergy of agile FPV flight dynamics and omnidirectional 360-degree optics opens vast creative horizons for outdoor visual storytellers. From chasing kiteboarders along North Sea coastlines to capturing cyclists winding through alpine switchbacks, the #AllForPassion Challenge provides a global stage for technical prowess and artistic innovation.

With the submission window open until September 30, creators have ample time to conceptualize, shoot, and polish their video entries. Offering substantial financial rewards and worldwide visibility through DJI official channels, this autumn contest is poised to showcase the frontier of modern aerial action filmmaking.

Frequently asked questions about the Avata 360 video contest

What is the DJI #AllForPassion Avata 360 Challenge?
It is a global video filmmaking competition hosted by DJI inviting creators and drone pilots to produce dynamic sports and action videos with the Avata 360 for a chance to win cash prizes up to $10,000.

What is the total prize pool breakdown?
The total prize pool of $25,000 is distributed as follows: 1 Grand Prize of $10,000, 2 Runner-up prizes of $5,000 each, and 5 Third Place prizes of $1,000 each.

When is the submission deadline for the contest?
Submissions are open until September 30, 2026. The official winners will be announced on October 28, 2026 across DJI channels.

What European regulations apply to FPV drone flights?
Under EASA European drone regulations, pilots flying with FPV video goggles must always be accompanied by a Visual Observer (VO) standing alongside them to maintain continuous visual line-of-sight with the airspace.