IBM Champions

Please join us in welcoming the IBM Champions class of 2026!

We are happy to celebrate the announcement of the 2026 IBM Champions! This global group of deeply engaged and impactful skilled technical advocates represents an extraordinary range of expertise, experience, and passion for helping others grow with IBM technology. Once again, the enthusiasm from the broader community during the nomination season was remarkable, and the selection committees worked thoughtfully to recognize this year’s cohort, accepting those nominees with the strongest impact and highest quality contributions to content, feedback, and community, beyond the scope of their jobs.

The new class includes a vibrant blend of returning Champions and newly recognized advocates — individuals who have consistently demonstrated leadership, creativity, and a deep commitment to sharing their knowledge widely.

How Do Champions Rise?

Champions stand out because of how they continuously pay their expertise forward. Each member of this community has been recognized for meaningful acts of advocacy across the technical ecosystem. This can take many forms, including:

• Creating insightful content: blogs, videos, podcasts, and tutorials.

• Founding, leading or volunteering for user groups.

• Speaking at conferences and community events.

• Participating in research activities or customer advisory boards.

• Contributing code and building tools others rely on.

• Sharing knowledge across communities.

Many Champions have also taken part in a broader advocacy‑building journey that supports aspiring contributors through learning, engagement, and badges that acknowledge their ongoing work. These efforts help future Champions strengthen their portfolios and gain visibility as leaders in the technical space.

What’s Ahead for the Champion Community?

Champions are among the most passionate experts you will find working with IBM technologies. They include clients, business partners, educators, consultants, and individuals who simply love solving problems and building innovation. Their insights, real‑world experience, and willingness to support others make them invaluable contributors to the IBM ecosystem.

Over the coming months, you’ll see more Champions joining the group here as they complete their onboarding. You’ll also be able to learn more about this year’s class on the official Champions website, where our directory will be refreshed and where you can read their stories, explore their areas of expertise, and discover ways to connect with them in the broader community.

What Makes This Community So Special?

The IBM Champions community is built on generosity, curiosity, and genuine enthusiasm for advancing technology. Champions don’t just excel individually: they lift others as they grow. Their excitement is contagious, and their dedication to helping others succeed is unmatched.

At IBM, we often say that Champions love IBM sometimes even more than IBMers do—and year after year, they continue to prove it through their incredible commitment.

A Heartfelt Thank You

To every Champion—past, present, and future—thank you. Your leadership, your creativity, and your passion for this global technical community make a real difference. IBM celebrates you, learns from you, and is continuously inspired by the work you do.

Here’s to an outstanding year ahead for the 2026 IBM Champions!

Libby