Reigning Bareback Riding World Champion Dean Thompson is right back in the mix this season, currently sitting No. 3 in the PRCA World Standings.
“Consistency is the name of the game,” Thompson said. “I’m not getting all the big checks I want, but every time I’m nodding my head, I’m getting a check.”
And that’s no exaggeration. In just the past week, Thompson picked up five checks at five different rodeos, keeping his earnings climbing as the summer run heats up.
“I’ll do whatever it takes to get back to Vegas,” he said. “This is all I’ve ever wanted.”
Thompson is traveling with Jacob Lees and Jayco Roper—both NFR qualifiers—and the crew is showing up strong at every stop.
“They’re gonna be sad to see us coming,” he laughed.
After winning his first Gold Buckle in December 2024, Thompson hasn’t lost focus—he’s on track and has his sights set for another World Title in 2025.