Nature enthusiasts around the globe have spoken, and their verdict is deliciously clear: bear 32 Chunk has been crowned the undisputed champion of Fat Bear Week 2025 in a resounding victory that captured hearts across Alaska's Katmai National Park.
The People's Champion Emerges
In what organisers are calling one of the most decisive wins in the competition's history, 32 Chunk secured a remarkable 68% of the final vote against contender 128 Grazer. The charismatic brown bear's impressive physique and determined fishing techniques proved irresistible to voters following the week-long celebration of ursine achievement.
From Scrappy Underdog to Formidable Force
32 Chunk's journey to glory is a testament to nature's resilience. Once considered a smaller competitor among the Brooks River's heavyweight residents, this year revealed a transformed bear whose strategic fishing prowess and sheer determination paid off in spectacular fashion.
What makes 32 Chunk's victory particularly remarkable?
- His consistent presence at the Brooks Falls prime fishing locations
- Masterful salmon-catching techniques that ensured regular feasting
- An impressive physical transformation that voters found irresistible
- His status as a previous quarterfinalist now elevated to champion
More Than Just a Popularity Contest
While Fat Bear Week delivers undeniable entertainment, the competition serves a crucial conservation purpose. The annual event highlights the incredible preparation these magnificent creatures undergo for their winter hibernation, where they may lose up to a third of their body weight.
"This isn't just about choosing the chubbiest bear," explains a park representative. "It's about celebrating the success of Katmai's healthy ecosystem and raising awareness about brown bear conservation. 32 Chunk represents nature's perfect preparation for survival."
A Legacy of Champions
32 Chunk now joins the prestigious ranks of previous Fat Bear Week winners, including the legendary 480 Otis who claimed four titles. His victory continues the tradition of celebrating the bears who best demonstrate nature's incredible ability to prepare for Alaska's harsh winters.
The competition has grown from a simple online poll to a global phenomenon, engaging thousands of voters who follow the bears' progress through live cams and daily updates from the remote Alaskan wilderness.
