Tom Rahill captures 96 Burmese pythons to win Florida Python Challenge

Tom Rahill was declared the 2026 Florida Python Challenge winner after harvesting 96 invasive Burmese pythons in the Everglades, earning the $10,000 grand prize. The ten‑day competition ran from July 10‑19 and attracted 907 hunters from 30 U.S. states as well as Canada and Vietnam.

During the challenge participants removed a total of 280 pythons, adding to the 1,400 snakes taken earlier in the season. The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) noted that more than 19,000 Burmese pythons have been removed from South Florida since the program began in 2017, helping protect native wildlife and ecosystems.

FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto praised the public‑partner effort, calling the 2026 results a “major victory” for the Everglades. The contest also awarded prizes for the longest snake and top performers in various categories, highlighting the role of community involvement in invasive‑species control.