Tom Rahill, hailing from Tampa, emerged victorious in the 2026 Florida Python Challenge by capturing an impressive 96 Burmese pythons in the Everglades National Park. This remarkable achievement earned him the top prize of $10,000 in the annual event organized by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
The FWC revealed the results on Wednesday, marking the end of the ten-day challenge held from July 10 to July 19 across eight authorized zones in South Florida.
In total, 907 participants from 30 states, alongside competitors from Canada and Vietnam, collectively removed 280 Burmese pythons from the ecosystem.
A Triumph Against All Odds
What makes Rahill's victory even more extraordinary is that he accomplished it shortly after undergoing surgery on both hips.
The champion shared his experience of discovering a nest in the midst of hatching season while navigating the sharp grasses of the Everglades:
"I began clearing the area, moving back and forth through the grass, and stumbled upon the nest. It's nesting season, the python hatchling season. If you find a nest, you're likely to find the babies. In this particular case, they were hatching. It was like a jellyfish party."
Rahill also recounted a nighttime expedition with a veteran:
"We rode electric bikes about nine miles down an old abandoned road under the cover of night and came across a massive python just outside the jungle on that old path."
Swamp Apes: Healing with a Purpose
Rahill is the founder of Swamp Apes, a nonprofit organization that brings military veterans and first responders to the Everglades to capture pythons as a form of nature therapy. The winner plans to allocate his prize money to his organization and celebrate his 45th wedding anniversary with his wife.
Recognition for Other Competitors
In the professional category, Christina Kraus won $2,500 by capturing 36 pythons, while Taylor Stanberry, the 2025 challenge winner, placed second with 34 pythons.
The longest python captured during the event, measuring 16 feet and five inches, was taken by Rahm Levinson in the Everglades National Park.
Among rookies, Bart Shreve led with nine pythons ($2,500).
In the military category, U.S. Army soldier Stephen Payton captured three pythons to earn $2,500, and Jeffery "Heath" Roser won the award for the longest python at eight feet and seven inches.
The total prize distribution exceeded $25,000.
Decades-Long Battle Against Invasive Species
Burmese pythons, originally from Southeast Asia, became an invasive species in Florida primarily through the exotic pet trade. Lacking natural predators, they reproduce uncontrollably—laying between 50 and 100 eggs per clutch—and have devastated medium-sized mammal populations in the Everglades.
Each year, FWC authorities offer $10,000 for capturing pythons as part of their strategy to curb an invasion that has now extended to Charlotte County in the southwest of the state.
FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto highlighted the progress:
"The number of invasive pythons removed from the Everglades during the Florida Python Challenge 2026 is a significant victory for Florida's native wildlife and a testament to what can be achieved through strong partnerships and public participation. With more than 1,600 pythons removed through challenge events to date and over 19,000 removed by contractors since 2017, these collective efforts continue to reduce the threat that Burmese pythons pose to Florida's native ecosystems."
FAQs About the Florida Python Challenge
What is the Florida Python Challenge?
The Florida Python Challenge is an annual event organized by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to capture invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades, offering monetary prizes to participants.
Why are Burmese pythons a problem in Florida?
Burmese pythons are an invasive species that reproduce rapidly and lack natural predators in Florida, leading to the decline of native wildlife populations, particularly medium-sized mammals in the Everglades.
How does the Florida Python Challenge help the ecosystem?
By removing invasive Burmese pythons, the Florida Python Challenge helps protect native wildlife and restore balance to the ecosystem, mitigating the threat these predators pose to the Everglades.