A legendary comeback
Real talk: the vibes were immaculate at Katmai National Park & Preserve this week. After a wild, internet-breaking voting bracket that had everyone highkey stressing, bear 89 Backpack has officially been crowned the 2026 Fat Bear Week champion.
He faced off against bear 910 in a final round that was honestly giving main character energy. Backpack walked away with 103,334 votes, just barely beating out his competitor, who pulled in 98,253.
More than just a beauty pageant
This isn't just about who can get the biggest, though. Backpack’s win feels extra special because of his history. Back in 2006, his mom—the 2019 champ, Holly—brought him to the Brooks River. He got his name because he used to literally climb on her back to cross the water.
He had a rough start, though. As a two-year-old, he suffered a major leg injury that left rangers wondering if he’d actually pull through. He made a full recovery, became independent in 2008, and has now evolved into the absolute unit worthy of a spot in the Hall of Champions. W for Backpack.
Why the internet broke
This year’s tournament was no joke. The bracket grew from 12 bears to 16, and the traffic was so insane during the first round that the website actually crashed. Officials had to extend voting by an extra day because, as they put it, the internet wasn't prepared for this much bear content.
Katmai National Park & Preserve celebrated the event as a "collective story," noting that just like the nation's 250th anniversary, these traditions keep hitting different because people show up for them.
Why it matters
Fat Bear Week isn't just about cute, chunky animals—it’s a massive annual flex for conservation. It turns a spotlight on the health of Alaska's ecosystems, proving that when we protect these wild places, nature absolutely delivers. Say less, we love to see a survivor winning.
