Each fall, millions of enthusiasts tune in to observe Alaska’s largest brown bears indulging in salmon before winter hibernation. Fat Bear Week has transformed from a unique online event into a popular wildlife spectacle, highlighting the salmon run at Alaska’s Katmai National Park and underscoring the importance of healthy ecosystems.
In 2026, Fat Bear Week’s stars are larger than ever, but the contest involves more than determining the biggest bear. This year features defending champions, emerging heavyweights, and bears with notable survival stories. From 32 Chunk, the reigning champion who overcame a broken jaw to secure last year’s title, to the rising favorite 164 Bucky Dent, known for his fishing prowess, the competition celebrates resilience, adaptability, and the success of some of the largest brown bears on the planet.
As voting commences, fans speculate if Chunk will maintain his title, if veterans like 151 Walker can return to the spotlight, or if new contenders like 903 Gully will ascend to victory. Though the winner is chosen for their size, the compelling histories of these bears are what captivates viewers annually.
Hall of Fame Champions
32 Chunk
Chunk is a prominent figure in Katmai National Park’s Fat Bear Week. Recognized for his sturdy build, he accumulates significant weight during the salmon run, transforming from a lean summer bear to one of the largest by fall. Despite a broken jaw and lost teeth in 2025, as noted by Katmai Conservancy, Chunk successfully continued to feed.
Unlike other long-time favorites, his appeal lies in his dramatic weight gain. His transformation illustrates the success celebrated during Fat Bear Week.
164 Bucky Dent
164 Bucky Dent is a strong contender to dethrone Chunk. Described by Explore.org as a skilled “fisher-bear,” Bucky Dent excels at catching salmon in the Brooks River. Though young compared to veteran bears, he represents the next dominant generation, with a growing fan base among Fat Bear Week supporters.
151 Walker: A Brooks River Veteran
151 Walker, a dominant adult male, is a familiar presence at Brooks Falls. Over the years, his size and confidence have secured him prime fishing spots. His experience and strength make him a strong contender in the tournament.
903 Gully: Carrying on Grazer’s Legacy
903 Gully, offspring of two-time Fat Bear Week champion 128 Grazer, is an intriguing participant. Nicknamed for supplementing his salmon diet with gulls, he often competed with Walker for fish this summer. As the descendant of a celebrated champion, Gully enters the contest with both a famous lineage and high expectations.
Conservation Challenges Facing Katmai’s Bears
Fat Bear Week highlights the success of Katmai National Park’s brown bears and the importance of preserving the ecosystems vital for their survival. Healthy salmon runs are crucial for the bear population to accumulate the necessary fat reserves for hibernation. Changes to their habitat or water quality could affect the entire ecosystem, impacting bears and other wildlife reliant on these resources.
Climate change poses additional challenges. Scientists have noted changes in temperatures and season patterns influencing salmon migration and bear hibernation timings, according to Katmai Conservancy. These shifts can affect how much weight bears gain, influencing their chance of survival and reproduction.
Katmai’s increased popularity brings attention to the park, emphasizing the need for responsible tourism, habitat protection, and continuing research to ensure that future generations can experience the same wildlife spectacles that have made Fat Bear Week renowned worldwide.
What Happens Next
Fat Bear Week voting starts with head-to-head matchups, allowing the public to select their favorite bears based on photographs taken during the summer and peak fall feeding season. Voting begins Tuesday, September 22 at noon ET and concludes September 29. Each round narrows participants until a champion is crowned. Enthusiasts can cast votes online and promote their chosen contenders on social media, turning the competition into a delightful internet event.