That’s not what he proved at all. What he proved is that an actual photo can’t compete with AI. Literally, because it’s not eligible to compete in an AI contest. His photo wasn’t the best in the category, because it wasn’t in the category to begin with. It’s no different than submitting a photoshopped image in a contest for untouched photos. The disqualification was appropriate, because if he’s willing to break the rules once, he can’t be trusted to be a part of any contests going forward.
That’s not what he proved at all. What he proved is that an actual photo can’t compete with AI. Literally, because it’s not eligible to compete in an AI contest. His photo wasn’t the best in the category, because it wasn’t in the category to begin with. It’s no different than submitting a photoshopped image in a contest for untouched photos. The disqualification was appropriate, because if he’s willing to break the rules once, he can’t be trusted to be a part of any contests going forward.