The eligibility gate
Three conditions govern eligibility for the ISSF People’s Choice awards: a place among the world ranking’s top 100, competition during the 2026 season and world ranking points earned in that season. Recognition alone does not put an athlete on the public ballot. Competition and ranking data first define the eligible group; fans later choose a winner from within it.[1]
The threshold combines ranking position with participation during the season. A top-100 place cannot replace the competition and points requirements. Earning points in 2026 cannot remove the top-100 boundary either. Reading the eventual list requires two conditions together: ranking position and the athlete’s competition activity. Their intersection defines who qualifies for the ballot.[1]
ISSF defined six discipline awards, separating women and men in pistol, rifle and shotgun. An internal ballot managed by the Athletes’ Committee decides those awards. People’s Choice uses a separate public vote, with one award for women and one for men. Treating all eight categories as a single fan contest misdescribes the six discipline awards. The electorate matters alongside the award label when reading the outcome.[1]
The rounds have different jobs
The first public ballot opens on 28 October and closes on 5 November. Athletes shortlisted from that ballot advance to a second round beginning on 9 November. It closes on 18 November. The first round narrows the group voters assess again. The second-round results determine the two awards.[1]
That order keeps the ranking rule distinct from the public tally. World ranking opens the eligibility gate; the first ballot reduces the field; the second decides two People’s Choice winners. ISSF said it would announce more online voting details before the first round opens. The published information establishes the dates and entry rules. It does not yet identify nominees or award recipients.[1]
The Athletes’ Committee’s internal process and the two-round fan vote assess the season by different routes. Six discipline winners emerge from internal voting; two public winners emerge from the fan ballots. When results are published, the category’s selection route identifies the deciding electorate. Ranking position establishes part of eligibility; by itself it determines neither a public-vote result nor a discipline award.[1]