Fat Bear Week Returns: A Look at This Year's Competitors

Fat Bear Week, an annual competition held at Alaska's Katmai National Park and Preserve, has returned, featuring 16 brown bears competing for the title of "chonkiest champ." The single-elimination tournament, where fans vote for the bear they believe has gained the most weight before winter hibernation, kicked off Tuesday.

Last year's competition saw over 1.7 million votes cast, with Bear 32, known as "Chunk," claiming the championship. Chunk, the defending champion, is back for another shot at the title but faces stiff competition. Despite suffering a broken jaw in June 2025, which left him with a scar and a protruding canine tooth, Chunk's appetite remained robust. He was largely absent from the Brooks River during the summer salmon run but returned in September noticeably heavier. His title defense begins against Bear 164, also known as Bucky, a rising heavyweight.

Bucky, approximately 9 years old, has grown significantly in recent years and developed the confidence to challenge dominant male bears for prime fishing spots. He has learned to catch salmon from a deep plunge pool at the waterfall's edge, a strategy that has contributed to his weight gain. Male brown bears typically reach their physical prime between 12 and 20 years old, suggesting Bucky may continue to grow.

Another notable contender is Bear 151, "Walker," a veteran who has become more competitive as he has aged. Walker, who once played with other bears, now finds himself challenged by younger bears like Bucky and Bear 903, "Gully." His size and experience have helped maintain his position in the Brooks River hierarchy, but the competition is closing in. Walker faces Gully in an opening-round matchup.

Bear 610 represents a different kind of underdog story. First identified in 2015 with a healing wound and believed to have separated from her mother early, she is now raising her first litter of cubs. Despite being a relatively small, first-time mother, Bear 610 has successfully protected her cubs and gained weight for hibernation. She faces Bear 89, "Backpack," in her first Fat Bear Week appearance.

The competition celebrates the bears' transformation as they prepare for months of hibernation. The opening rounds are scheduled for September 22–23, followed by quarterfinals on September 24–25, the Final Four on September 28, and the championship on September 29. Voting is open daily from noon to 9 p.m. ET on the official Fat Bear Week website.