SDI Instructor Gabriel Vieira Costa -

SDI Instructor Gabriel Vieira Costa

Named One of the Top 10 Photographers in the World at 35AWARDS 2024

Article by Eduardo Macedo

Brazil shone brightly in the 10th edition of the 35AWARDS, one of the world’s largest and most prestigious photography competitions. Among more than 473,000 images submitted by 112,000 photographers from 174 countries, four Brazilians stood out in top positions — with special recognition for SDI Instructor Gabriel Vieira Costa, who was named one of the Top 10 Photographers of the Year.

Photo by Kadu Pinheiro

In addition to this remarkable achievement, Gabriel had two images selected among the Top 100 Best Photos of the Year. One image was chosen for the official award catalog and he was also the winner of the Viewers’ Choice Award, which honors the public’s favorite photos. With accomplishments across all the main contest categories, Gabriel became the most awarded Brazilian of the edition and one of the leading names in contemporary underwater photography.

Photo by Fabi Fregonesi

Brazilian Underwater Photography Among the World’s Best

Alongside Gabriel, Fabi Fregonesi, a photographer from Rio de Janeiro, was also named among the Top 10 Photographers of the Year, being the only Brazilian woman to achieve this position in 2024. Fabi stood out for her sensitive and creative approach to underwater imagery.

Ruver Bandeira, from Ceará, and Kadu Pinheiro, from São Paulo, were recognized among the Top 35 Photographers in the World, further reinforcing Brazil’s presence among the world’s greatest talents. Both Kadu and Fabi also received awards in two different categories, demonstrating their versatility and technical excellence.

All these professionals were recognized in the Underwater category, which celebrates the most stunning images captured in marine and submerged environments — an area where Brazil continues to assert itself with strength and creativity.

Photo by Gabriel Costa

Photo by Ruver Bandeira

Gabriel Vieira Costa: Diving, Imagery, and Transformation

With a well-established career as an SDI instructor, photographer, and underwater explorer, Gabriel Vieira Costa combines technical mastery, artistry, and purpose in his work. His images reveal the beauty and complexity of the oceans, inspiring environmental conservation and connecting people to the marine world in a powerful and emotional way.

His performance in the 35AWARDS 2024 represents not only a personal milestone but also a point of pride for the entire SDI community, which remains dedicated to forming divers and professionals committed to excellence, ethics, and transformation through diving.