As summer 2025 winds down with Labor Day weekend, so does the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA) season. With the curtain closing on the regular season, the roster is officially set for the 51st Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR).
Following a record-breaking 2024 CFR, the 2025 edition promises thrilling performances and a new class of champions inside Rodgers Palace in the heart of Edmonton, Alberta.
Leading the 2025 CPRA saddle bronc standings is reigning champion Zeke Thurston. The Big Valley, Alberta native is looking to make history by claiming his sixth Canadian title. Hot on his heels is fellow Albertan Nicholas Patterson, setting up a showdown sure to captivate rodeo fans.
In bareback riding, Clint Laye of Cadogan, Alberta tops the leaderboard. He holds a narrow lead of less than $3,000 over American cowboy Richmond Champion, making this race one to watch closely.
Bull rider Hayes Weight of Goshen, Utah continues his cross-border dominance. After setting a new PRCA Cowboy Christmas earnings record, Weight found similar success north of the border and currently leads the CPRA standings, just ahead of Mexico’s Edgar Durazo.
Veteran calf roper Logan Bird will enter the 2025 CFR with a commanding lead of nearly $7,000 over fellow Albertan Kyle Lucas. The top 12 qualifiers in the event include both rising stars and seasoned veterans, setting the stage for a highly competitive showdown.
In steer wrestling, veteran NFR and CFR qualifier Scott Guenthner leads a tight field, with Ryan Shuckburgh just thousands of dollars behind.
Reigning Canadian barrel racing champion Taylor Manning of Yellowhead County, Alberta, is set for her second consecutive trip to Rodgers Palace. However, she currently sits in second place behind fellow Albertan Jayden Wilson, who holds an impressive lead of nearly $12,000.
The breakaway roping title race is among the closest of the season. Brandi Whiteside enters the finals in the lead, a mere $800 ahead of Jenna Dallyn. The slim margin ensures the title will likely be decided on the final calf.
In team roping, reigning Canadian header champion Kavis Drake holds a significant lead among the 12 qualifying headers. On the heeling side, young gun Denim Ross stands out, leading the pack by nearly $11,000 as he looks to claim his first Canadian title.
With the 2025 CFR field officially set, fans and athletes alike are preparing for the marquee event. Scheduled for Oct. 1–4, the 51st edition of the Canadian Finals Rodeo will bring together top talent from Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
In 2024, the CFR made history by increasing the total event payout to $1,508,000. The breakdown of the 2024 payout was as follows:$1,480,000 in total was paid out in the major events (Bareback, Saddle Bronc, Bull Riding, Tie-Down Roping, Steer Wrestling, Ladies Barrel Racing and Team Roping). An additional $28,000 was spread across the three junior events (Novice Bareback and Saddle Bronc and Steer Riding). All of these numbers are exclusive of the Breakaway Roping payout which featured the top 12 contestants in all performances. But BAW prize money wcame from a separate bucket of money, partially funded by the CPRA and partially funded through the efforts of the breakaway ropers themselves.Payout:
- 7 Major events (BB, SB, BR, TDR, SW, TR, LBR) will be $185,000/event (per side in the Team Roping) for a total of $1,480,000.
- Novice BB and NSB (featured in the first 3 performances) – $9,000/event
- Steer Riding (featured in the first four performances) – $10,000
Payout Structure For Major Events:
To learn more about the CFR and CPRA standings, please visit HERE.