Only two remain. Fat Bear Week 2026 comes down to Bear #910 (unofficially known as Dancing Queen) and Bear #89 (Backpack). Which big head will wear the crown?
Ah, it’s that time of year again! The time when we collectively celebrate the chubby, furry giants of Alaska in a competition that’s both adorable and surprisingly intense: Fat Bear Week! Yes, folks, it’s the annual event where we all get to vote on which brown bear has packed on the most pounds in Katmai National Park and Preserve. And this year, the final showdown is between two heavyweights: Bear 910 and Backpack.
Now, if you’re wondering why we’re so invested in the weight of these bears, let me break it down for you. In the wild, a bear’s ability to gain weight is a matter of survival. They need to bulk up for the long winter hibernation, and Fat Bear Week is a light-hearted way of appreciating the resilience and sheer awesomeness of these magnificent creatures. Plus, who doesn’t love a good underdog story?
This year marks the 12th anniversary of the competition, which has grown from a quirky little event into a full-blown phenomenon. Sixteen bears entered the tournament, each vying for the title of the heftiest bear. The format? A classic bracket-style showdown. It’s like March Madness, but with more fur and less basketball.
As the competition progressed, fans tuned in to watch the bears flex their muscles (or, you know, their rolls) and compete for votes. And now, we’ve narrowed it down to the final two: Bear 910, the reigning heavyweight, and Backpack, who has quite the backstory.
Bear 910 is known for her impressive size and, let’s be honest, her ability to make us all feel a little better about our own pandemic snacking. She’s the bear equivalent of that friend who always shows up to brunch with a bottomless appetite. On the other hand, Backpack, affectionately named for the unusual backpack-like markings on his back, has charmed his way into the hearts of many. He’s the underdog, and there’s something about rooting for the scrappy bear that just feels right.
As we await the announcement of the winner (which will be revealed on Tuesday, by the way), the tension is palpable. Will Bear 910 retain her crown, or will Backpack pull off an upset that will go down in Fat Bear history? Either way, it’s a win for wildlife enthusiasts, and let’s be real, it’s a great excuse to avoid adult responsibilities for a few minutes while we scroll through adorable bear photos.
So, whether you’re Team Bear 910 or Team Backpack, make sure to cast your vote and celebrate the beauty of these bears. After all, who wouldn’t want to be a part of a competition that’s all about being fabulously fat? Just remember, no matter who wins, we’re all just a little bit fatter in spirit.
Stay tuned for the results, and may the best bear win!
Inspired by: “The final showdown of Alaska’s Fat Bear Week comes down to heavyweights Bear 910 and Backpack” (r/World)