For 115 years, cannons have boomed at precisely 1:15 p.m., and animated cries of “Let ’er Buck” have echoed through the crisp Pendleton air. Championship Saturday at the historic Pendleton Round-Up was no exception, as a sold-out crowd witnessed a star-studded roster of cowboys and cowgirls etch their names into rodeo history.
From rookies and veterans to NFR hopefuls and world title contenders, the 11-time PRCA Outdoor Rodeo of the Year delivered a finale packed with drama and high stakes. The 2025 champions not only claimed coveted titles but also took major strides toward securing their places in Las Vegas this December.
In the bareback riding, Jacek Frost of Browns Valley, Calif., rose to the occasion atop “Side Show,” clinching one of the biggest wins of his career and keeping his first NFR qualification hopes alive. Frost came into Pendleton in a precarious position, sitting just outside the top 15 in the world standings after a thrilling victory in Puyallup, Wash. With one of the largest regular-season payouts on the line, every point mattered for Frost in the final performance.
“This is unbelievable,” Frost said with a wide grin. “With the win in Puyallup and now here, I can’t even describe the feeling.”
Frost’s strong finish pushes him closer to securing his spot in Las Vegas — proof that two crucial late-season wins can change the course of a cowboy’s year in a matter of days.
Frost wasn’t the only bubble rider making moves. Steer wrestler Stetson Jorgensen kicked off his week with a lightning-fast 4.1-second run worth $5,598, then sealed the deal on Championship Saturday to earn the coveted title. The Idaho cowboy is now on the verge of punching his ticket to the NFR.
“I’m still shaking. I haven’t processed it yet,” Jorgensen admitted. “This was my second time competing here, and I almost got the win my first time. To finally get it done is really special. Pendleton is a bucket-list rodeo.”
Bull rider Jordan Spears also secured his spot at the NFR with a standout 86-point ride, picking up $8,034, including ground money, to earn his second Pendleton Round-Up championship.
In saddle bronc riding, 23-year-old Canadian cowboy Q Taylor electrified the crowd with a 91-point ride on Summit Pro Rodeo’s “Cat Walk” to take the aggregate title and keep his NFR dreams alive, collecting $8,147 along the way.
For others, Pendleton marked career milestones. Tie-down roper Dylan Hancock added both the tie-down roping and all-around cowboy titles to his résumé. Entering the final round fifth high-call, Hancock delivered the fastest run of the week at 8.6 seconds, then returned with friend and partner Cole Clemons to turn in a clean team roping run, securing his spot in the history books.
“I just wanted to give myself a chance,” Hancock reflected on his favorable calf roping draw, which he capitalized on with an 8.6-second run– the fastest run of the entire week.
“I like coming from behind and putting pressure on some guys. Pendleton is so unique and one of a kind — this win is so exciting.”
Hometown cowgirl Bailey Patterson thrilled the crowd with a 3.5-second breakaway roping run to bring her aggregate to 6.2 seconds, earning her a victory lap in front of family, friends and a roaring local crowd. The professional breakaway roper and nurse’s roots run deep in the Northwest, making this win a sentimental and impactful victory for her Columbia River Circuit standings.
“Taking the victory lap in front of my hometown, family and friends is truly so special,” exclaimed the cowgirl who calls the “Let er’ Buck” town home.
In the team roping, Pacific Northwest duo Brayden Schmidt and Jaydon Warner also capitalized on home crowd support, rising to the occasion to claim the prestigious title.
Closing out the 2025 Round-Up in style, Montana State University’s Tayla Moeykens delivered the fastest barrel racing time of the week to secure the coveted title and her first NFR qualification, making her Green Mile moment even more meaningful.
For full results and a complete recap of the 2025 Pendleton Round-Up, visit The Cowboy Channel Plus app.