1 Billion Followers summit unveils finalists

The 1 Billion Followers Summit, the world’s largest event dedicated to the content creator economy, has announced the 10 finalists for its One Billion Award, a $1 million prize considered the largest and most valuable award for content creators globally.

The award aims to celebrate creators whose work positively impacts society, inspires minds, promotes unity, and sustains values of compassion and empathy.

After receiving over 16,000 submissions from 190 countries in just three weeks, the summit’s panel of international experts shortlisted 10 exceptional candidates.

These finalists represent a diverse range of content creators from across the globe who use their platforms to make a significant impact.

The finalists include Nigerian health educator Dr. Adanna Steinacker, UK-based mountaineer Nirmal Purja, and Lebanese humanitarian group Creators For Lebanon, which is dedicated to helping displaced families. Other prominent figures include motivational speaker Simon Squibb, athlete Charlie Rocket, and Australian influencer Samuel Weidenhofer, among others.

Public voting for the finalists opened Sunday, 22, December and runs until December 28.

The top five highest-voted candidates will progress to the final selection stage, where an expert panel will choose the winner. The winner will be announced on January 13, 2025.

The One Billion Award is part of the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, to position the UAE as a global hub for digital content and support creators worldwide.

The prize not only recognizes outstanding creators but also emphasizes the importance of content that drives positive social change and fosters global unity.

With over 16,000 submissions, the One Billion Award highlights the growing impact of digital content creators and their potential to shape the future of the media industry.

The finalists represent the best of what social media can offer—innovative, inspiring, and socially conscious content that brings people together and drives meaningful change.