By September 21, 2026, bear enthusiasts are excited for Fat Bear Week 2026, hosted by Katmai National Park and Preserve, Alaska. This popular tournament has expanded from 12 to 16 bear contenders in the single-elimination contest, including reigning champion Chunk.
Starting September 22, participants will vote online between 12 and 9 p.m. ET each day until September 29, when the winner is crowned. The competition began in 2014 as a one-day event for southwest Alaska bears and attracted over 1.7 million votes in 2025 from over 100 nations, according to the National Park Service.
How to Watch the Event
The tournament can be viewed through livestreams on Explore.org, in collaboration with the National Park Service. Cameras are positioned around Brooks Falls at Katmai for observing bears fishing and resting.
Park rangers offer online talks and Q&A sessions to answer viewer queries about the bears.
Bears Prepare for Winter
Resident naturalist Mike Fitz from Explore.org stated that the bears have reached “peak fat” by eating salmon, berries, and other foods over the summer. Fitz explained that fat sustains them through the lengthy winter hibernation. Park ranger Troy Hunt added that these bears can survive four to six months without food.
Notably, Brooks Camp hosts more cubs this year than before, with over 100 bears identified at Brooks River through webcams.
A new generation of fat bears is taking shape, and they’re off to a strong start. We’re excited to watch them grow and learn as they prepare for winter in Katmai’s incredible ecosystem,”
said Park Superintendent Mark Sturm.
Contenders in the Tournament
- 32 Chunk: Previous champion, healed from a broken jaw, ready for defense.
- 89 Backpack: Known for quiet strength, features blond ears.
- 151 Walker: Adult male, uses pear-shaped body for hierarchy progress.
- 164 Bucky: Thrives at a unique salmon fishing spot.
- 903 Gully: Known for chasing and eating gulls.
- 132: Experienced mama bear, raised three cubs while gaining fat.
- 284 Electra: Competing with one of her cubs, has notable shoulder hump.
- 610: Small adult female, overcame injury, has first known litter.
- 806: Adopted another cub, protective and kind-hearted.
- 901: Known for fat-building ability and fishing skills.
- 620: Became independent last year from a big family.
- 694: Uses alternate feeding spots away from older bears.
- 131 Marshmallow: Spent years honing fishing skills, heavier now.
- 428 Studious: Daughter of former champion, focused on fishing.
- 909: Competitor with a parent as former champion, lost two cubs.
- 910: 909’s sister, diversified food catching methods and locations.