The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and its partners announced the results of the 2026 Florida Python Challenge on Wednesday. Tom Rahill won the Ultimate Grand Prize of $10,000 after removing 96 Burmese pythons from Everglades National Park during the 10-day competition. A total of 907 participants from 30 states, Canada and Vietnam collectively removed 280 invasive Burmese pythons from South Florida.
Rahm Levinson removed the longest python of the competition, a 16-foot, 5-inch snake, also from Everglades National Park. A highlight of this year's event was the return of Everglades National Park as a partner and one of eight official competition locations. The event was hosted by the FWC and the South Florida Water Management District, in partnership with the National Park Service and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida.
In the professional category, Christina Kraus won $2,500 for most pythons with 36 snakes removed, and Taylor Stanberry won $1,500 as runner-up with 34 pythons. Rahm Levinson also won $1,000 for the longest python prize. In the novice category, Bart Shreve won $2,500 for removing nine pythons, Michael Marousky won $1,500 for four pythons, and Vincent Poole won $1,000 for an 8-foot, 2-inch snake. In the military category for active duty and veterans, Stephen Payton of the U.S. Army won $2,500 for three pythons, Jonathan Miller of the U.S. Air Force won $1,500 for two pythons, and Jeffery 'Heath' Roser of the U.S. Army won $1,000 for an 8-foot, 7-inch python.
FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto said the number of invasive pythons removed from the Everglades is a major victory for Florida's native wildlife and a testament to what can be accomplished through strong partnerships and public participation. South Florida Water Management District Governing Board Member 'Alligator Ron' Bergeron said removing Burmese pythons from the ecosystem is critical to the survival of native species that call the area home. The 10-day event is designed to raise awareness about invasive species and engage the public in Everglades conservation through the removal of invasive Burmese pythons.