Former 'Life Below Zero' Star Jessie Holmes Wins Second Iditarod Title

The reality TV personality cruised to victory in the grueling 1,000-mile sled dog race across Alaska.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 3:18pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Jessie Holmes, a former cast member on the National Geographic reality show 'Life Below Zero', has won the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race for the second consecutive year. Holmes guided his team of 12 dogs across the finish line in Nome, Alaska on Tuesday night, pumping his fists as the crowd cheered. This marks the third time in the 54-year history of the race that a competitor has repeated as champion the year after their first victory.

Why it matters

The Iditarod is one of the most prestigious and challenging sled dog races in the world, testing the endurance of both mushers and their canine teams as they traverse over 1,000 miles of rugged Alaskan terrain. Holmes' back-to-back wins cement his status as one of the top sled dog racers in the sport, and his reality TV fame has also helped raise the profile of the iconic event.

The details

Holmes' winning time was not immediately available, but he finished the race on Tuesday night in Nome to the cheers of the crowd. His lead dogs, Polar and Zeus, were credited with leading the team for the majority of the race. Holmes earned $80,000 for this year's victory, up from the $57,000 he took home in 2025. The increased prize money was boosted by financial support from Norwegian billionaire Kjell Rokke, who participated in a new noncompetitive 'expedition' category.

  • The 2026 Iditarod race started on March 8 in Willow, Alaska.
  • The ceremonial start was held in Anchorage the day before the race began.
  • Jessie Holmes crossed the finish line in Nome on the evening of March 18, 2026.

The players

Jessie Holmes

A former cast member on the National Geographic reality show 'Life Below Zero' who has now won the Iditarod sled dog race two years in a row.

Polar and Zeus

Jessie Holmes' lead dogs, who were credited with leading the team for the majority of the 2026 Iditarod race.

Kjell Rokke

A Norwegian billionaire who provided $100,000 in additional prize money and $170,000 to Alaska Native villages that serve as checkpoints for the 2026 Iditarod race.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'Zeus led every single run except one. I just wanted to let someone else have some fun. And Polar deserves it more than anybody. He leads by example.'”

— Jessie Holmes

What’s next

The Iditarod Trail Committee will likely begin planning for the 2027 race, which is scheduled to start on March 8 of next year.

The takeaway

Jessie Holmes' back-to-back Iditarod victories showcase his skill as a sled dog racer and the continued popularity of the iconic Alaskan event, which has faced some criticism from animal rights groups over the years.