Hungarian photographer won the title of European Nature Photographer of the Year

Imre Potyó won the main prize at the GDT 2026 photo competition, becoming the first Hungarian to be named European Nature Photographer of the Year. His award-winning photo captures a unique scene in a closed mine in Börzsöny, where little horseshoe bats hibernate under blooming fungi. The bats occasionally wake up to hunt winter insects, leaving behind guano that supports the growth of the fungi, resembling tiny flowers. Potyó has been photographing bats in the Börzsöny mines for thirteen years and has closely observed nature's changes. The GDT competition received over 26,000 entries, with Potyó's other two photos also achieving second place. Other Hungarian photographers were recognized as well, including Csaba Daróczi and Norbert Kaszás. Potyó also won the main prize at the Asferico 2026 competition in June.