Every year, Esri Community’s members are eligible to participate in our contest that recognizes top performers across three categories of users: Our newest members who join during the 2026 year, active members who created their account prior to the start of 2026, and superuser members who are part of the Esri Community MVP Program. All eligible members are in consideration to become winners simply by engaging in Esri Community—no other form of entry is necessary.
The 2026 contest will run from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026 and is open to all Esri Community members with the exclusion of Esri staff and distributors, and those who are otherwise ineligible as outlined in the Esri Community Contest 2026 Official Rules. See our Contest Categories for more information regarding winner selection.
Contest Categories
Elite Level (top three)
Winners at this level will be assessed on most solutions authored for the year – Designed for advanced members who are answering questions and recognized with accepted solutions.
Rising Star (top three)
Winners for this level will be selected based on the following criteria:
- Joined Esri Community prior to January 1, 2026
- Any member of the community that is part of the Regular rank ladder (excludes MVPs)
- Most contributions (minimum 100 value add posts: can be either new posts and/or replies)
- Most solutions authored (minimum 10)
Newcomer of the Year (top three)
Winners will be selected based on the following criteria:
- New member as of January 1, 2026
- Most contributions (can be either new posts and/or replies)
Contest Rewards
Prizes will be awarded to the top three candidates at each of the above categories.
Elite Prize Package (top three)
- Winner’s choice of either Esri User Conference Registration or Esri Developer & Technology Summit Conference Registration**
- ArcGIS for Personal Use License
- Choice of Esri Press Publication***
- Esri Community contest winner badge
- Esri swag box
Rising Star Prize Package (top three)
- Winner’s choice of either Esri User Conference Registration or Esri Developer & Technology Summit Conference Registration**
- Choice of Esri Press Publication***
- Esri Community contest winner badge
- Esri swag box
- Considered for MVP Rank
Newcomer Prize Package (top three)
- Choice of Esri Press Publication***
- Esri Community contest winner badge
- Esri swag box
**Travel not included. Winner can send another person in their organization, or they can donate it to a non-profit organization. For Esri Developer & Technology Summit the prize can be used for the US or EU Esri Developer & Technology Summit.
***A selection of available publications will be provided to choose from at the time winners are selected and notified.
Good luck to all our members!
Official Rules: Esri Community Contest 2026 Official Rules
See 2025 Winners: 2025 Esri Community Contest Winners Announced!
