I find participating in photo competitions exciting and educational. I learn to look differently and think better before I take a picture. It is important to me that it does not frustrate me, because then it is at the expense of the pleasure of photographing. 
Since 2023 I have only participated in a few photo contests. Of course, Wildlife Photographer of the Year, that's every wildlife photographer's dream. I participate in Wildart Photographer of the Year almost monthly. In addition, if I have taken a good picture, I look at which competition fits with it.