To be crowned World Champion you have to succeed in the most competitive environment there is, against the top talent of the moment. That's exactly what the underwater photographers on these pages have done!

They stood up and let themselves be counted! They faced a truly international opposition to achieve their placing. We can all stand back and say 'I've got better shots than that at home'. You may have - but what no-one sees doesn't count!

Think you can do better? Prove it! Over the next year enter your best work and, if you really are one, you too could be crowned world champion. Remember, if you don't enter, you won't win.