Cinch Playoffs at Washington State Fair: Preview, Format, and How to Watch

The Washington State Fair Pro Rodeo marks the start of the Cinch Playoff Series. The top 23 contestants in the Playoff Series Standings and the champions from the NFR Open are heading to Puyallup to compete for their share of not only $648,000 but also the chance to advance to the Governor’s Cup in Sioux Falls where they will compete for a cut of the $1 million purse.

Here is a look at the format, preview, and how to watch as we begin the Cinch Playoff.

Format

The top 24 contestants from the Playoff Series will compete at the Puyallup Rodeo with the top four from Puyallup and the top eight out of the standings of the Playoff Series presented by Pendleton Whisky advancing to the Governor’s Cup in Sioux Falls South Dakota.

Preview:

Performance 1 & 2 (Sept 7-8)

There is plenty to watch for this week as the standings in all events could see massive changes with the big payouts from the Playoffs. In Bareback Riding Bradlee Miller qualified for the Playoffs and is currently sitting at the No. 28 spot, but if he were to win in Washington and advance to Sioux Falls for the Governors Cup, he would have a great shot at making the NFR. Miller will be competing against Leighton Berry, Ty Pope, Orin Latson, Clayton Biglow and others.

In Steer Wrestling the No. 1 man in the world, and new regular season earnings
record holder Dalton Massey looks to extend his $20,000 lead over Tyler Waguespack who will also be competing over the weekend.

Bull Riding features Stetson Wright competing against traveling partner Ky Hamilton, rookie T Parker, $7 million cowboy JB Mauney, and more.

Performance 3 & 4 (Sept 9)

In the second group, the story is the same. There are several athletes looking to lock in their spot at the 2023 NFR. In Bareback Riding Dean Thompson has a great chance to move up from his No. 15 spot as he looks to make the NFR in his rookie season. He will be competing against No. 1 Keenan Hayes, Rocker Steiner, Kaycee Feild, and 2023 World Champion Jess Pope.

In Team Roping all eyes are on Kaleb Driggers and Junior Nogueira as they are looking to win their third consecutive Gold Buckle.

Saddle Bronc riding features 2023 World Champion Zeke Thurston competing against Stetson, Ryder, and Stu Wright, Chase Brooks, and more.

World No.1 and regular season earnings record-holder Riley Webb highlights the Tie-Down Roping field. Others competing will be Cory Solomon, Tuf Cooper, and Haven Meged.

How to Watch & Broadcast Schedule

You can watch every performance LIVE on The Cowboy Channel and The Cowboy Channel+ App. For a full broadcast schedule click HERE.