2026 Florida Python Challenge Winners

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and partners announced the results and winners of the 2026 Florida Python Challenge™, an event intended to raise awareness about invasive species while engaging the public in Everglades conservation through removal of invasive Burmese pythons. Over the course of the 10-day event, 907 Python Challenge participants from 30 different states, as well as from Canada and Vietnam, collectively removed 280 invasive Burmese pythons from south Florida.

A highlight of this year’s event was the return of Everglades National Park as a partner and one of eight official Python Challenge competition locations. This year’s Ultimate Grand Prize winner of $10,000 was Tom Rahill, who removed 96 Burmese pythons during the competition all of which were removed from Everglades National Park, contributing directly to Everglades conservation. The longest python of the competition was also removed from Everglades National Park, measuring 16 feet, 5 inches, and removed by Rahm Levinson. 

“The number of invasive pythons removed from the Everglades during the 2026 Florida Python Challenge is a major victory for Florida’s native wildlife and a testament to what can be accomplished through strong partnerships and public participation,” said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto. “The 2026 Florida Python Challenge was a resounding success, made possible by the dedication of our staff, the generous support of our partners, the continued leadership of Gov. DeSantis and the commitment of the many competitors who participated in this year’s event. 

The 2026 Florida Python Challenge was hosted by the FWC and the South Florida Water Management District, working closely with partners at the National Park Service and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida.

“2026 Florida Python Challenge Prize Winners:

ULTIMATE GRAND PRIZE

Awarded to the participant who 

removes the most pythons. 

$10,000 Tom Rahill 96 pythons 

PROFESSIONAL 

*Most Pythons Prize

$2,500 Christina Kraus 36 pythons

*Most Pythons Runner-Up Prize 

$1,500 Taylor Stanberry 34 pythons

*Longest Python Prize

$1,000 Rahm Levinson 16 feet, 5 inches 

NOVICE

*Most Pythons Prize 

$2,500 Bart Shreve 9 pythons

*Most Pythons Runner-Up Prize 

$1,500 Michael Marousky 4 pythons

*Longest Python Prize

$1,000 Vincent Poole 8 feet, 2 inches

MILITARY – Active Duty and Veteran 

*Most Pythons Prize

$2,500 Stephen Payton – U.S. Army 3 pythons

*Most Pythons Runner-Up Prize

$1,500 Jonathan Miller – U.S. Air Force 2 pythons

*Longest Python Prize

$1,000 Jeffery “Heath” Roser – U.S. Army 8 feet, 7 inches 

Congratulations to the 2026 winners of the Florida Python Challenge! More information on nonnative species can be found at MyFWC.com/Nonnatives.