The number of Python Challenge participants has fluctuated through the years including a high of nearly 1,600 in 2013. Meet the 2025 winner, Taylor Stanberry.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announced Taylor Stanberry removed 60 invasive Burmese pythons and claimed the $10,000 Ultimate Grand Prize. The FWC announced that 934 participants from 30 states and Canada removed a record 294 pythons during the 10-day competition.

Donna Kalil, a contract hunter for the South Florida Water Management District, nabbed 56 snakes during the Python Challenge between July 11 and July 20. She brought in 19 during the 2024 contest when the event was held Aug. 9 through Aug. 18. The grand prize winner last year nabbed 20 snakes.