Team Fluff Wins 2026 Puppy Bowl, Boba Named MVP

Special needs dog Twilight Barkle scores game-winning touchdown for Team Fluff

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The 22nd annual Puppy Bowl featured a record 150 adoptable puppies from 72 shelters across the U.S., Puerto Rico and the British Virgin Islands competing for the Wayfair Lombarky Trophy. In the end, Team Fluff emerged victorious, defeating Team Ruff by a score of 73-69. Team Fluff's Boba was named the game's MVP (Most Valuable Pup).

Why it matters

The Puppy Bowl is a beloved annual event that showcases adoptable puppies and helps raise awareness for animal shelters and rescue organizations across the country. This year's competition featured a record number of participants, highlighting the ongoing need for pet adoptions.

The details

Team Fluff's Twilight Barkle, a special needs dog with a protruding forehead from Hearts & Bones Rescue in Dallas, scored the game-winning touchdown to secure the victory for Team Fluff. Meeko from Paws Across Pittsburgh, the Team Fluff captain, accepted the Lombarky Trophy from "Ruff-free" Dan Schachner.

  • The 22nd annual Puppy Bowl took place on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

The players

Team Fluff

The winning team in the 2026 Puppy Bowl competition.

Twilight Barkle

A special needs dog with a protruding forehead from Hearts & Bones Rescue in Dallas, who scored the game-winning touchdown for Team Fluff.

Meeko

The Team Fluff captain who accepted the Lombarky Trophy.

Boba

The Team Fluff puppy who was named the game's MVP (Most Valuable Pup).

Dan Schachner

The "Ruff-free" official who presented the Lombarky Trophy to the Team Fluff captain.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The 2026 Puppy Bowl showcased the incredible bond between humans and their canine companions, while also highlighting the ongoing need for pet adoptions. The event's record-breaking participation and heartwarming moments, such as Twilight Barkle's game-winning touchdown, demonstrate the enduring appeal of this beloved annual competition.