A famous feline named Stepan, originally from Kharkiv, Ukraine, left Europe after relocating to France and became a strong contender in the WIBA awards for the world’s top bloggers and influencers. A recent Instagram post captured a moment at the Martinez Hotel in Cannes, the city hosting the award ceremony on May 18, with Stepan perched contentedly on a chair and the caption reading “Ready for the ceremony.” The post also showed a flurry of heart emojis in the comments as Stepan sent warm wishes for good health and expressed affection for supporters around the world.
The nomination for the WIBA award had been anticipated since mid-April, with updates about Stepan’s potential recognition appearing on the cat’s social media pages shortly after. The moment carried extra excitement because the cat’s journey had become a story of resilience and international support, bridging several countries and communities in a single, public narrative.
Stepan’s journey began in Kharkiv, where the cat and its owner, Anna, faced a sudden push to relocate amid ongoing turmoil in the region. In March, the pair was evacuated and found safety with the help of a network of supporters. Reports indicate that the World Association of Influencers, based in Monaco, provided crucial assistance that enabled Stepan to move with Anna from Poland to France. This humanitarian and advocacy-driven effort highlighted how influencer communities can mobilize across borders to support animal welfare and the people who care for them. [citation]
The story of Stepan was also the subject of in-depth coverage by media outlets in December 2021, when initial details about how the cat rose to fame began to circulate. That coverage documented a chain of events and the milestones that helped Stepan become a recognizable figure in the online world and among influencer circles. [citation]
As the Cannes ceremony approached, observers noted how the combination of a remarkable backstory, a charming on-screen presence, and a steadily growing online audience can drive interest in influencer awards. The WIBA honor is intended to recognize creators who blend personality with influence, turning social media presence into a platform for storytelling, community building, and advocacy. Stepan’s supporters emphasized that the cat’s journey represents a broader narrative about resilience, cross-border support, and the power of authentic connection in the digital age. [citation]
In reviewing the broader context of influencer awards, analysts pointed to the way such recognitions reward not only followers or engagement metrics but also the capacity to inspire action, raise awareness about causes, and connect people across diverse environments. Stepan’s example demonstrates how a single character in a viral story can become a symbol for empathy, perseverance, and cross-cultural collaboration—traits that resonate with audiences in North America and beyond. [citation]
The Cannes setting, with its history of hosting high-profile events, provided a cinematic backdrop for Stepan’s momentum. Observers considered how the award ceremony could amplify a message about animal welfare, international aid, and the responsibilities that come with online influence. Whether or not Stepan ultimately receives the trophy, the narrative has already demonstrated the potential of digital communities to rally around meaningful, real-world outcomes. [citation]