“To have the chance for a million dollars a man in team roping—that’s a whole different deal. That wasn’t even something I dreamed about growing up. The sport has kind of outgrown what we thought was possible.”
Far beyond his wildest imagination, 2022 American Rodeo champion and seven-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier Buddy Hawkins will take his shot at the historic $2 million qualifier bonus.
With the largest bonus in American Rodeo history on the line, the 2026 American Rodeo Championship Weekend is set to become one of the richest days in Western sports.
And for the heeler, his American dream is one step closer to reality.
Hawkins, who calls Stephenville, Texas, home, teamed up with 16-time National Finals Rodeo qualifying header Luke Brown to take top honors at the Eastern Regional Qualifier in Lexington, Kentucky.
Brown and Hawkins won the 2026 American Rodeo Eastern Regional team roping with a 4.68-second run in the final round on April 11. The duo earned $10,000 each and secured their spots at The American Rodeo Championship Weekend in Arlington, Texas, on May 22–23.
As the first of three regional semifinals on the road to The American Rodeo, the Lexington showcase set the tone for the 2026 contender field.
Athletes advanced to the Eastern Semifinals through The American Rodeo’s open qualifying system, which runs nationwide and gives ropers at every level a chance to earn their way in. Featuring a highly competitive mix of National Finals Rodeo qualifiers and rising stars, the field ultimately saw veteran experience rise to the top.
The pair—who have a combined three American Rodeo titles, with Brown winning in 2020 and 2024 and Hawkins in 2022—are no strangers to success on one of rodeo’s biggest stages.
They will carry both veteran experience and a qualifier’s hunger into Globe Life Field, where they will compete for the elusive $2 million bonus.
Hawkins explained that his past experiences at The American, both as an invitee and a qualifier, give him a key advantage.
“I pretty much only see experience as an advantage. If I can catch one at home for free, the likelihood is just as high that I can catch one for a million dollars. But having been in those moments before, there is a perspective you gain that you can’t really replicate anywhere else.”
If the duo can overcome the odds and emerge as the sole winners of the $2 million bonus, they would make history as the first team ropers to each take home $1 million.
“There’s a real possibility this year that team ropers could go home with over a million dollars each. That’s something we’ve never seen before, and it would be huge for the sport.”
Hawkins also reflected on the sport’s growth during his career.
“I might have thought maybe my kids would have a chance to rope for a million someday, but it’s surprising to me that it’s happening in my career. That just shows how much the sport has grown.”
The anticipation of what’s possible continues to build as the remaining Central and West Coast qualifiers help shape the final roster.
Hawkins and Brown will now prepare to back into the boxes at Globe Life Field.
“There’s a different feel on that final day. Not many places have it—the NFR, Houston finals, a few others—but Globe Life has that same kind of energy.”
He also reflected on the broader impact of The American Rodeo and his gratitude to be part of it.
“The American is right behind the NFR when it comes to recognition. You run into people who weren’t rodeo fans at all, and they know what it is. That kind of exposure is huge for our industry. We’re grateful for the people behind it. Events like this are changing the sport.”
Hawkins and Brown will compete against a deep field of qualifiers and invitees as they chase a historic $2 million payday, set for May 22-23 in Arlington, Texas.
All roads lead to Arlington.