Marc Elsberg awarded the 2026 Austrian Crime Prize

Marc Elsberg has been awarded the 2026 Austrian Crime Prize (Österreichischer Krimipreis). The award ceremony took place on Sunday, October 18, at the Casineum am See in Velden.

Elsberg, a highly successful thriller author known for the bestseller ‘Blackout – Morgen ist es zu spät’, was selected by more than 100 specialists from the book trade, media, and blogging community. The prize recognizes authors who demonstrate literary and content excellence while highlighting the cultural relevance of the crime genre.

The trophy was designed by Carinthian artist Dieter Ladurner using driftwood and stones from the Waidisch stream. The event is part of the Krimifest Kärnten, which organizers note serves as a significant driver for regional tourism by attracting visitors outside of the traditional holiday season.