TIME's Person of the Year is an annual designation by TIME magazine, first awarded in 1927, that recognizes the individual, group, concept, or object that has had the most influence on world events during the preceding year. The selection for 2026 will be announced in December of that year, based on the editorial judgment of TIME's editors. The designation is not necessarily an honor but rather an acknowledgment of significant impact, whether positive or negative. Past selections have included world leaders like Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt, activists like Greta Thunberg, and symbolic figures like 'The Computer' in 1982. The prediction market for the 2026 selection allows participants to speculate on who or what will be chosen, reflecting public discourse and expert analysis about the most consequential forces shaping global affairs. Interest in this market stems from the award's cultural significance as a barometer of the year's defining narratives, its historical track record of spotlighting pivotal figures, and its ability to generate widespread media attention and debate. The selection process is opaque and subjective, involving TIME's editorial staff, which adds an element of unpredictability that makes it suitable for prediction markets. The market resolves based on the official announcement, typically made in early to mid-December 2026.

Historical Context

TIME's Person of the Year tradition began in 1927 when the magazine's editors, seeking to fill a slow news week between Christmas and New Year's, chose Charles Lindbergh for his transatlantic flight. The concept was originally titled 'Man of the Year' until 1999, when it was changed to the more inclusive 'Person of the Year.' The selection has consistently mirrored the dominant geopolitical, social, and technological forces of its time. For instance, in 1938, Adolf Hitler was chosen, illustrating that the designation acknowledges impact, not virtue. In 2006, 'You' was selected, representing the rise of user-generated content and the internet's democratization of influence. The process has evolved but remains a closely guarded editorial decision, with the announcement generating significant global media coverage each December. Historically, sitting U.S. presidents have been frequent choices, selected 13 times, with Franklin D. Roosevelt holding the record at three selections. The award has also expanded to include groups, such as 'The Ebola Fighters' in 2014, and concepts, like 'The Planet' in 1988. The precedent for multiple persons winning was set in 1960 with 'U.S. Scientists' and more recently in 2005 with 'Bill and Melinda Gates and Bono.'

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