Meet Contender, the ocean’s heavyweight champ: a 14-foot, 1,653-pound great white whose migratory ambitions have him hunting for summer snacks just 22 miles off Cape Hatteras.

Contender, the largest male white shark ever tagged by OCEARCH, is making waves in the Atlantic as he ventures northward in search of cooler waters and a buffet of summer fish. Having first been tagged off Georgia in January 2025, this colossal predator's recent ping off Cape Hatteras highlights not just his migratory prowess but also the growing importance of tracking and understanding the behavior of these ocean giants to ensure they remain the undisputed champions of the sea—and not just the undisputed champions of snacking.

Contender's impressive measurements make him not just a notable fish tale, but quite the aquatic heavyweight. At nearly 14 feet long, he certainly measures up to many small boats, with considerable girth to match. Weighing in at a staggering 1,653 pounds, he is more than just a shark—he's a specimen of evolution that has perfected the art of swimming, or as some might say, floating unnervingly close to any potential beachgoers’ picnic.

The migration pattern that Contender is pursuing is typical for great white sharks. They are known for their seasonal shifts, where they prefer basking in the warmer waters of the south during winter, followed by a rigorous growth spurt as they devour fish in the nutrient-rich waters off the Northeast. Who knew that summer was the shark version of a buffet line? According to OCEARCH, Contender is merely following tradition and hunting in waters filled with a veritable smorgasbord of prey.

OCEARCH, the organization giving us this thrilling glimpse into the life of a wandering shark, is providing crucial insights into the behaviors and movements of white sharks across the Northwest Atlantic. Their tracking technology reveals that as Contender stocks up on calories for summer, he’s also doubling as a research subject. Tracking data will be available for around five years, which raises the question: how many local fish will be indefinitely taking up residence on Contender's menu?

As Contender approaches the Outer Banks, a known gathering spot for great white sharks, one can only hope that locals have a keen eye and a shovel on hand. The Outer Banks are rich in food resources, making it a prime layover for great whites. It might be the only place where one could claim to see sharks lounging with the same casual attitude as a summer tourist. Just picture them fighting over the last fish like it’s a beach towel at a crowded resort.

As his journey—marked by pings—continues north, one must ponder how Contender feels about his new reputation. Is he flattered by the attention or annoyed by the constant updates that come with fame? His previous adventures off Georgia mean he’s not entirely new to the spotlight. After all, nothing says ‘everyman’ like being tracked by enthusiastic scientists, potentially reducing your chances of enjoying a quiet meal undisturbed.

And what of the swimmers? Onlookers are undoubtedly keeping their distance. While they metaphorically clutch their beach towels while peering nervously into the sapphire depths, the reality is that sharks and humans share the ocean, and the former is often more interested in fish than in beach volleyball tournaments. But for now, it seems that everyone is aware of their new neighbor—Contender just happens to have a more gregarious reputation than most local fish.

Contender's journey reminds us that the ocean continues to hold both wonder and unease. His presence is a testament to the resilience and movement of ocean wildlife in a changing climate. There’s no doubt that Contender is doing his part to redefine the summer vacation experience: complete with beach views, cool breezes, and an ever-present awareness of what lurks beneath the waves.

So as Contender navigates his way through this maritime landscape, one can only hope for a peaceful coexistence—not just for him but for the other creatures of the ocean. After all, it’s a big ocean out there, and if you happen to see a 14-foot shark gliding by, be sure to wave. Or, at the very least, keep your snacks well-guarded.