Puppy Bowl 2026 Crowns Its Winner

Was It Team Ruff or Team Fluff?

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The 22nd annual Puppy Bowl aired on Super Bowl Sunday, with millions of Americans tuning in to watch the 'cutest showdown in sports.' After three hours of furry competition, one team emerged victorious and took home the Walmart 'Lombarky' Trophy.

Why it matters

The Puppy Bowl has become a beloved Super Bowl tradition, offering an alternative for dog lovers who want to watch something more lighthearted than the big game. The event also serves as a call-to-action, helping to promote pet adoption from animal shelters across the country.

The details

The 2026 Puppy Bowl once again pitted Team Ruff against Team Fluff, with veteran referee Dan Schachner overseeing the action for the 15th year in a row. The three-hour event was simulcast across multiple TV channels and streaming platforms, allowing viewers to tune in from the comfort of their homes.

  • The 2026 Puppy Bowl aired on Super Bowl Sunday, February 8, 2026.

The players

Dan Schachner

The longtime referee of the Puppy Bowl, overseeing the action for the 15th year in a row.

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What they’re saying

“The Puppy Bowl has become a must-watch event for dog lovers across the country. It's the cutest showdown in sports!”

— Dan Schachner, Puppy Bowl Referee (IMDb)

What’s next

The winning team of the 2026 Puppy Bowl will be celebrated and the Walmart 'Lombarky' Trophy will be displayed at the winning team's animal shelter.

The takeaway

The Puppy Bowl continues to be a beloved Super Bowl tradition, offering a lighthearted alternative for dog lovers and helping to promote pet adoption from animal shelters across the country.