In the US my two favorite photography annuals are Communication Arts & American Photography. With CA each year there are about 8000 to 10,000 entries & from that less than 200 will be selected for the annual, there is no 1st, 2nd.....you get to be in the book & for one photographer they will make the cover. With AP about 350 images will make the book & maybe 200 more will be online. No winners again, just to be be in the book is an honor. With more recent contests ( including PDN, IPA, ICA............) there are winners along with prizes. Yes they do make money & if you do well in contests it is still very inexpensive promo/exposure. Well done to anyone who wins.
Denis