Every spring under the Mountain, anticipation overcomes campus as we near the beginning of the famed Berkshire tradition: Last Bear Standing. This is the one week a year when Bears, across all forms, bind together, chase after, look out for, and betray each other, all with the hope of being the Last Bear Standing. Last Bear Standing never fails to keep both students and faculty on their toes. While both thrilling and fun, the game is also an opportunity to connect with students outside of your day-to-day routine, sometimes even being the beginning of lifelong friendships.

 Many Bears opt for the strategic route: concealing their target, hiding outside their target’s dorm, or, although sometimes risky, playing the waiting game. However, other Bears take a more hazardous approach: taking every chance they can to charge at their target with open arms.

 Notably, after each round, the game’s rules become trickier. While in the beginning you must only be within arm’s length distance of one person, by the second round you must be linked with two. The gradual difficulty in safety requirements only enhances the competitiveness and caution of those still in.

 As the rounds progressed and the number of those advancing declined, the spectators eagerly waited for the final battle between the last two. This year, Addie Edwardes ’28 and Leo Lee ’26 raced each other to the reservoir to claim the sought-after title of Last Bear Standing champion.

 Congratulations to Leo Lee ’26 for winning Last Bear Standing 2025, and thank you to all the Bears who brought ambition and excitement to this year’s game!