Fat Bear Week 2026: A Look at the Contest and Its Competitors

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Fat Bear Week 2026 is underway at Katmai National Park and Preserve in Alaska, with 16 bears participating in this annual competition. The tournament has grown this year from 12 competitors to include the defending champion, Chunk. Starting September 22, enthusiasts can vote online from 12 to 9 p.m. ET daily until September 29, when the winner will be announced.

Originating in 2014 as a one-day event, Fat Bear Week aims to celebrate the brown bears of southwest Alaska. In 2025, it attracted over 1.7 million votes from more than 100 countries. The event is a highlight for wildlife lovers worldwide.

Live webcams on Explore.org allow fans to watch the bears in action, especially at Brooks Falls, a favored spot for fish-catching and resting. Park rangers provide insights through online talks and Q&A sessions, enhancing the experience.

Mike Fitz from Explore.org explains the bears have reached their highest weight after consuming salmon and other foods throughout summer. This fat is crucial as it fuels them through the long, foodless months of winter hibernation. They can survive four to six months without eating, notes park ranger Troy Hunt.

This year’s competition is notable for an increased number of cubs at Brooks Camp, with over 100 different bears spotted via the webcams so far. Park Superintendent Mark Sturm remarked on the exciting emergence of a new generation preparing for winter.

Let’s meet some contenders:

32 Chunk: Last year’s champion, Chunk is back after recovering from a broken jaw.
89 Backpack: Recognizable by his blond ears, known for resilience.
151 Walker: A senior male with a distinct pear shape.
164 Bucky: Discovered an efficient fishing spot at Brooks Falls.
903 Gully: Named for his unique habit of eating gulls.
132: One of the largest mama bears, raising three cubs.
284 Electra: Competing against her cub, with a notable shoulder hump.
610: Smaller but independent and strong, with her first litter.
806: Raised her cub while adopting another, known for her nurturing nature.
901: Renowned for fat-building, passing down exceptional skills to her cub.
620: A recently independent bear from a large family.
694: Opts for different feeding spots away from competition.
131 Marshmallow: Developed her fishing skills over years, notably heavier this season.
428 Studious: Known for her focus and parentage from a past champion.
909: Another contender with a championship heritage, faced losses this summer.
910: 909’s sister, adept at finding diverse food sources.