For the 95th year, late winter welcomed the PRCA’s top athletes to the Mile High City for the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo (NWSSR), setting the pace for a momentous winter professional rodeo season in Denver.
As the snow settled, a new chapter of champions emerged. Among them is calf roper Dylan Hancock. The San Angelo, Texas, native entered the winter high off a successful 2025 National Finals Rodeo (NFR) appearance and with his sights set firmly on a third NFR qualification.
Hancock kicked off his 2026 campaign in strong fashion, earning $16,593 over the course of the 10-day event. His performance positioned him well heading into the winter run and earned him top honors with the fastest time of the week — a 7.1-second run aboard his top mount, Earl.
Despite strong past performances, Hancock had yet to capture the elusive NWSSR title. That all changed when he played his cards right and cashed in during the final round.
“It’s always good to get the winter started off well,” Hancock said. “That’s something I haven’t really had before — just little licks here and there. It’s great to have this confidence going into the Texas Swing. I’m excited to get it going.”
Hancock credited his success to capitalizing on the draw.
“I actually had the same calf in the semifinals and the finals,” he said. “I knew the calf was amazing and what he’d do. It was almost set up to win. If I didn’t, it was on me. The calf worked great, my horse worked great, and it all came together.”
Preparation and staying present remain key components of Hancock’s approach as he looks toward the long season ahead. Adopting a marathon mindset has allowed him to enjoy each win while keeping the year in perspective.
“My goal was to have a good winter and set myself up to cruise through the summer and have fun,” he said. “It’s a true marathon.”
Hancock was joined by an elite group of champions who also launched their 2026 campaigns in Denver.
Eastern Oregon cowboy Mike McGinn led the way in steer wrestling, stopping the clock with a 3.6-second run in the final round. After narrowly missing the 2025 NFR, McGinn looks poised for a strong 2026 season.
Team ropers Tanner Tomlinson and Coleby Payne claimed the title with a blazing-fast 3.5-second run, setting the tone for an action-packed Texas Swing of rodeos ahead.
In bareback riding, South Dakota’s Cooper Filipek electrified the crowd with an 85.5-point ride aboard The Cervi Brothers’ R. Watson, earning $6,512 in the final round and the NWSSR title.
Saddle bronc rider Parker Fleet also found success on a Cervi Championship Rodeo horse, marking 89.5 points on R. Watson Prairie Fire to earn $6,565 in the final round and claim the championship.
Reigning world champion bull rider and all-around cowboy Stetson “Superman” Wright added another highlight to his storied career, capturing the bull riding win — his most prosperous victory of the young 2026 season. The win propels Wright to an early-season lead as he continues to chase records and extend his historic legacy.
With the 2026 NWSSR officially in the books, fans and athletes can catch all the NWSSR action on the Cowboy Channel Plus app.